What are the distinctive white streaks that appeared on a pigeon’s tail feathers after a bacterial infection called?

The distinctive white streaks that appear on a pigeon’s tail feathers after a bacterial infection are referred to as fault bars. These fault bars result from disruptions in the normal feather growth process, often caused by stress factors such as illness, nutritional deficiencies, or environmental stressors. During significant disturbances in growth, the keratin (the protein that makes up feathers) does not form properly, leading to these visible lines or streaks in the feathers.

Understanding fault bars can be crucial for avian veterinarians and technicians. They are not just cosmetic indicators; they provide insight into the bird's health history and overall well-being. Monitoring these signs can help in diagnosing past stress or illness that the bird may have experienced.

Other terms, like feather defects and feather stress lines, may refer to various issues that affect feather structure and health but do not specifically denote the unique white streaks seen as a result of bacterial infections. Rollers, on the other hand, typically refer to a specific breed of pigeons known for their ability to perform aerial maneuvers, which is unrelated to feather appearance caused by health problems. Understanding these distinctions is important for avian care and health assessment.