Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle

Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle is a book by conservation biologist Thor Hanson, published in 2011 by Basic Books. The book discusses the significance of feathers, their evolution, their various structures, as well as their utility in birds.

Feathers won the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award in 2012 and the John Burroughs Medal in 2013. Amanda Katz, in a review published by The New York Times, wrote that because Feathers is a work of synthesis, bird enthusiasts will find the book's content already "familiar", but noted that "as synthesis goes, it is gracious, funny, persuasive and wide ranging." Peter Forbes, in a review published by The Guardian, called Hanson's enthusiasm "infectious", praising the engaging nature of the book. Irene Wanner, in a review published by The Seattle Times, highlighted Hanson's analogies, calling them "apt" and helping to "simplify complex concepts".