(http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6757/wren.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/510/wren.jpg/)
Wren ( Troglodytes troglodytes 4" )tail feathers were used for some soft hackles, and were said to have "magical" properties. The secondaries were also used in a similar manner.This bird is now protected. One may substitute woodcock or some grouse feathers, and some smaller breeds of quail have feathers which are similar.
The feathers shown below have been in my possession for over forty years now. I also have a few flies dressed with such feathers. The feathers shown, are a complete Wren tail. These feathers are interesting as they can be easily wound, having delicate stems, and one may dress several flies from one feather. Also, "palmering" the hackle is also easy.
(http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/39/wr1ib.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/80/wr1ib.jpg/)