Ostrich Feathers

   Ostrich feathers are frequently borne in heraldry either single or in plumes.  They are always represented with the tops turned down and, therefore, in blazoning, the circumstance of the tops bending over need not be mentioned. If  the quill or stem is of any tincture different from the feather, which often occurs, it is then blazoned penned of such a metal or colour, and sometimes shafted of such a tincture; but it would be more proper to use the term quilled. It should be noted that no feathers, except those of the ostrich, are represented in heraldry over-hanging at the tops. When three feathers are placed together,  they are then termed a plume, and their number need not be mentioned in the blazoning; but, if there are more than three, the number should be expressed, as a plume of five feathers, etc.

 A double plume of  ostrich’s feathers

    When more than one row of feathers are borne, such rows, in blazon, are termed heights. When the plume is composed in two heights, also called a double plume, it should consist of nine feathers, placed five in the bottom row and four in the top. When there are three heights, the plume should then consist of twelve feathers, i.e. five, four, and three. Some heralds term them single, double and triple plumes.

The badge or cognizance of the Prince of Wales is a plume of ostrich feathers arg quilled or, enfiled with a prince’s coronet of the last, with a scroll az thereon, and the words Ich Dien, in gold.

See also Panache