[dropcap]F[/dropcap]eathers make a bird.  Indeed, without feathers, a bird could not fly and would be exposed to the vagaries of weather, both hot and cold.

Thankfully, bird hats fell out of fashion by the early 20th century. (photo courtesy of National Audobon Society)

But feathers can also get a bird in trouble.  Especially when they are prized by humans.  The ancient Hawaiians killed birds by the hundreds to make feathered capes for their island royalty.

During the 1890s, a single egret plum...