Birds are intrinsically complex physical objects, ultimately tuned for flight with light-weight highly resistant structure and optimized aerodynamic forms. From a physical point of view, birds thus offer a diversity of research interests: aerodynamic, biomechanical or even energetic. At the Biomimetics group of the University of Groningen, we investigate such aspects with follow-up developments in Engineering through drones or bio-inspired turbines. In this presentation, I will develop two ongoing projects around bird physics. First, I will dive into the biomechanical and aerodynamic properties of feathers. Then I will present how tail control in bird landing might be assisted by passive aerodynamic balance through the development of a bio-hybrid pigeon tail.