Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to describe the rich colouring and general appearance of birds in the context of the German and Continental biological tradition. The authors were inspired by the works of Adolf Portmann (1897-1982) in particular.
According to this tradition, the appearance of an organism is determined not only by random interactions of genetic and external forces, but is an autonomic structure with its own rules and habits of formation and development. The appearance of the organism and all of its visible manifestations are at the same time connected to its Innerlichkeit (inwardness) and the way it relates itself to the world.
This chapter begins with a brief overview of thinkers who have considered the topic, and continues as an art historical and zoological filed-guide. It points out particular features forming their plumage pattern and shows their connection to the way of life of particular species.