The tail feathers were the prize.........................
http://catherinepoveymillinery.blogspot.com/2013/02/jack-mcconnell-and-red-feather-specials.html
Thought of those poor birds when coming across a tv show highlighting milliner Jack McConnell. He fashioned hats for Hollywood back in the 40s and 50s. The hats he personally crafted, he placed as red feather on the label.