shuttlecock

A shuttlecock, also known as a birdie in North America, is the projectile used in the sport of badminton. It consists of a rounded cork or synthetic base and a cone-shaped skirt made of feathers or a synthetic equivalent. The standard feathered shuttlecock has a conical arrangement of feathers attached to the base, forming a skirt around the cork. The overall length of a standard shuttlecock is typically around 62 to 70 millimeters, and the mass is specified for official competition, roughly 4.7 to 5.5 grams.

Feather shuttlecocks provide a distinct, precise flight with a visible drop as they lose speed in the air. Their performance is sensitive to humidity, temperature, and wear, which can shorten their usable life in play. Synthetic shuttlecocks, while generally more durable and economical, are designed to imitate the shape and flight characteristics of feathered versions and are commonly used for practice and recreational play. Both types are manufactured to meet official specifications set by governing bodies such as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and national federations.

History places the shuttlecock in batt edore and shuttlecock games in Asia and Europe, with the modern feathered design refined in Britain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The sport that adopted the shuttlecock—badminton—derived its name from Badminton House in England, where early games were popularized.

Use and play involve striking the shuttlecock back and forth over a net with rackets, aiming to land it inside the opponent’s court. Service rules, positioning, and speed of play vary by level, competition format, and the type of shuttlecock used. Synthetic shuttlecocks are common for training and casual use, while feathered shuttlecocks predominate in high-level competition.