Feathers

Wing, Tail, and Breast feathers are all used in the tying of flies. The wing and tail feather are typically used in the making of dry flies. They are dense and coarse in texture and normally have natural oils that helps the birds shed water. While the breast feathers are more of the light and fluffy type feather. They are what help to keep birds warm as they are fluffy they trap and keep and air space between the bird’s skin and the environment.

 

Turkeys, peacocks, parrots, and pheasants are the most popular among fly tying enthusiast. The peacock, parrot, and pheasant feathers are used because they provide natural color. Wile turkey feathers are popular for two reasons. First, they are plentiful, and second the bleach and die more easily then many of the other types of feathers.

 

Marabou
If you have been tying flies for a while or you are just starting out you have probably heard of marabou. This is typical made from they feathers of the domestic white turkeys and are then died in a full spectrum of colors. Marabou breathes and dances in the water, giving it a very life-like action. Marabou is a feather with which all tiers should become familiar.

 

Hackle feathers
Soft hackle feathers are generally feathers, which come from game birds. These birds have a mix of dun, tan, brown or black feathers are primarily wild birds, which are harvested by hunters. Because of this, it is kind of a good news and bad news for fly tiers.

There are bird farms, which raise and process these game birds, which aids in the supply demand.

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