From Andrew Nichols, Sisters Creek, Tasmania, Australia
You report research stating wing feathers originally augmented running in birds. In Tasmania, we have the endemic flightless Tasmanian native hen, or turbo chook. It is fleet of foot and earns its nickname from its supreme ability to rapidly run for cover when chased. The birds can also turn 90 degrees at pace by simply holding out one wing or the other, depending on which way they want to swerve. This superb move can keep them safe when chased. Maybe robust wing feathers evolved to allow this potentially life-saving manoeuvre (2 November, p 16).
