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Bird's eye figure
Bird's eye figure
Bird's eye figure
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Cutting Board made of Birdseye Maple

Bird's eye is a type of figure that occurs within several kinds of wood, most notably hard maple. It has a distinctive pattern that resembles tiny, swirling eyes disrupting the smooth lines of grain. It is somewhat reminiscent of a burl, but it is quite different: the small knots that make the burl are missing.

It is not known what causes the phenomenon. Research into the cultivation of bird's eye maple has so far discounted the theories that it is caused by pecking birds deforming the wood grain or that an infecting fungus makes it twist. However, no one has demonstrated a complete understanding of any combination of climate, soil, tree variety, insects, viruses, or genetic mutations that may produce the effect.[1]

Bird's eye maple is most often found in Acer saccharum (sugar maple), but millers also find bird's eye figures in red maple, white ash, Cuban mahogany, American beech, black walnut, and yellow birch. Trees that grow in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States yield the greatest supply, along with some varieties in the Rocky Mountains. It is not uncommon in Huon Pine, which grows only in Tasmania. Although a tree's bark may offer a few clues that indicate the lumber might have bird's eye figure, felling the tree and cutting it apart is necessary to know for sure.[2]

Characteristics

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In most characteristics, wood with bird's eye figure is no different from the rest of the wood from the same tree. Depending on the frequency and radius[3] of the birdseye swirls, each 1⁄8 to 3⁄8 inch (0.32 to 0.95 cm) wide, the wood may be extremely valuable. While woodworkers prize the timber primarily for its use in veneers, it also turns well on a lathe, allowing it to be shaped into decorative canes, chair legs, and handles.

Uses

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Bird's eye maple may be expensive, up to several times the cost of ordinary hardwood. It is used in refined specialty products, such as in automobile trim, both in solid form and veneer, boxes and bowls for jewelry, thin veneer, humidors, canes, furniture inlays, handles, guitars, bowed instruments, custom rifle stocks and pool cues are popular uses. Items made with this wood tend to be more expensive not only because the wood is more costly but because it is harder to work.[citation needed] When working with bird's eye wood, it is advisable to take care in what tools are used, so as to prevent grain tearout. Also the more "eyes" lumber has, the weaker the wood tends to be.[citation needed]

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  • Cabinet (c.1880) by Herter Brothers
    Cabinet (c.1880) by Herter Brothers
  • Washstand: bird's eye can be seen on the surface of drawer.
    Washstand: bird's eye can be seen on the surface of drawer.
  • Epiphone Les Paul Classic Birdseye (1994–98) body
    Epiphone Les Paul Classic Birdseye (1994–98) body
  • Electric bass guitar with bird's eye maple top
    Electric bass guitar with bird's eye maple top
  • Höfner 468 archtop guitar back hand-carved from solid piece of bird's eye maple. Made in Germany, 19 Feb 1961.
    Höfner 468 archtop guitar back hand-carved from solid piece of bird's eye maple. Made in Germany, 19 Feb 1961.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bird's eye figure

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bird's eye figure is a distinctive observed in certain hardwoods, characterized by small, circular or oval-shaped markings that resemble tiny eyes, typically ranging from 1/16 to 1/4 inch in diameter and appearing in dense clusters that disrupt the otherwise straight . This figure is not a separate wood species but an anomaly primarily associated with sugar maple (), where it occurs in less than 0.1% of trees, though it can also appear in other species such as black walnut, cherry, , , and yellow birch. The exact cause of bird's eye figure remains uncertain, but it is believed to result from aborted epicormic buds—dormant buds that attempt to grow into branches under stress from unfavorable conditions like dense forest canopies, severe winters, or short growing seasons in regions such as the and . These buds leave behind small knots or depressions in the wood as they fail to fully develop, creating the eye-like spots during the tree's growth. The pattern is most visible on flatsawn or rotary-cut surfaces, such as veneers, and requires sharp tools for due to the interlocking that can cause tear-out. Due to its aesthetic appeal, bird's eye figure is highly valued in woodworking and is commonly used for high-end furniture, musical instrument bodies (like guitar necks and backs), cabinetry, gunstocks, and decorative veneers in applications such as automobile interiors and jewelry boxes. Lumber with dense, consistent bird's eye patterns commands premium prices, often significantly higher than plain hard maple, with top-quality veneer logs fetching thousands of dollars based on the figure's intensity and clarity. While the figure enhances visual interest, it does not alter the wood's fundamental properties, such as the Janka hardness of 1,450 lbf for sugar maple, making it suitable for both decorative and functional uses.

Etymology and Terminology

Origin of the Name

The term "bird's eye figure" derives from the distinctive appearance of small, rounded indentations in the wood grain that resemble the eyes of birds, a visual analogy documented as early as 1793. This naming convention highlights the pattern's characteristic tight, circular spots, which create a textured, eye-like effect when the wood is cut and finished. Early references to the term appear in American forestry and cabinetmaking texts from the early , where woodworkers described the figure as arising from tiny knots or burls that produce the spotted appearance. These descriptions emphasized the pattern's aesthetic appeal for furniture and decorative applications, distinguishing it from more common grain structures. By the mid-1800s, the terminology had solidified in North American contexts, reflecting the growing of American hardwoods, particularly , in markets, where the "bird's eye" label became standard to evoke the pattern's unique motifs. The bird's eye figure in is differentiated from fiddleback and curly figures primarily by its of discrete, small, eye-like spots formed by tiny knots or indentations, in contrast to the narrow, wavy lines characteristic of fiddleback or the broader three-dimensional undulations seen in curly figure. Fiddleback, often prized in musical instruments, presents tight, even curls that create a shimmering, violin-like sheen, while curly figure results from compressed annual growth rings producing rippled, chatoyant effects across the surface. Bird's eye also stands apart from quilted figure and tiger striping, as it features isolated, circular depressions rather than the bubble-like clusters of raised, shapes in quilted wood or the bold, flame-like streaks and stripes of figure. Quilted patterns, common in certain maples, give a mottled, inflated appearance due to irregular , whereas tiger striping—sometimes called flame—exhibits dramatic, wavy bands that enhance the wood's visual depth. Historically, terminology for bird's eye figure overlapped with descriptions of "pin knots" in softwoods, where small, tight knots in species like or produce pinpoint-like markings that early woodworkers occasionally likened to eye spots. This shared etymological root in small, knot-derived anomalies helped distinguish bird's eye as a premium figure in hardwoods like from mere defects in .

Formation and Characteristics

Causes of Formation

The exact cause of the bird's eye figure in wood remains unknown as of 2025, despite extensive research. It is most commonly observed in sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and is thought to arise from a combination of environmental stresses during the tree's early growth. One prominent hypothesis attributes it to growth suppression in crowded stands or poor soil conditions, leading to retarded radial growth and localized distortions in wood fibers that form small, eye-like indentations. Early studies from the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory in the 1930s identified such suppression as a potential factor, with higher incidence in trees competing for light and resources. Another hypothesis involves injuries to the cambial layer, possibly from mechanical pressure by surrounding tissues or minor environmental stresses, causing abnormalities in cell structure such as collapsed or hypertrophied cells in the and . These disruptions typically occur during the juvenile phase in small trees (1-3 inches in diameter) and result in tight around depressions measuring 0.16-0.64 cm (1/16-1/4 inch) in diameter. Detailed anatomical studies have refuted earlier ideas that the figure originates from fully formed adventitious buds containing , as no such cores are observed. However, aborted epicormic buds—dormant buds attempting growth under stress—have been proposed as a compatible explanation, aligning with unfavorable conditions like dense canopies or harsh climates. Alternative theories, such as genetic predispositions or involvement of fungi and , have been explored but lack strong evidence in . Propagation experiments in the 1920s suggested possible , but results were inconclusive. Fungal like Taphrina betulina and insect larvae have been speculated based on observations in other hardwoods, but analyses of maple show no definitive pathogenic role. Overall, no single mechanism has been confirmed, and the figure likely results from multifaceted environmental influences.

Physical Appearance and Properties

The bird's eye figure appears as numerous scattered, circular or oval spots on the wood surface, typically measuring 0.16 to 0.64 cm (1/16 to 1/4 inch) in diameter, resembling tiny eyes or knots. These spots result from localized distortions in the wood fibers, forming conical indentations in the growth rings that may show as slight depressions on cross-sections or elevations on tangential surfaces. In hard maple, the spots often have a subtle darker tone against the surrounding light cream or pale base color, increasing visual contrast. The of the figure varies from sparse, subtle patterns to dense clusters creating a prominent, textured effect. This variation affects light reflection, with contorted fibers in the spots producing a shimmering or three-dimensional when viewed from different angles. The bird's eye figure involves compressed and distorted fibers in affected areas, but does not significantly alter the wood's overall mechanical properties, such as (approximately 0.71 g/cm³ at 12% moisture content for hard ) or Janka (1,450 lbf). However, the interlocking grain can pose machining challenges, including tear-out, while enhancing aesthetic value.

Occurrence in Woods

Primary Species

The bird's eye figure is most prominently exhibited in hard maple (Acer saccharum), where it occurs as a growth anomaly in approximately 1-13% of trees in managed forests and up to 50% in old-growth stands, although high-quality commercial volumes represent a smaller fraction (0.3-5% of sawtimber). This species is particularly valued for its pale cream to white sapwood, which creates a striking contrast with the darker, swirling eyes of the figure. In other hardwoods, the figure appears much less frequently. Notable examples include yellow birch (), black cherry (), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), black walnut (Juglans nigra), white ash (Fraxinus americana), and red maple (Acer rubrum), where the bird's eye manifests as localized clusters of small knots or growth disruptions similar to those in maple but at much lower incidence. Rare reports of bird's eye-like patterns exist in softwoods such as , but these are generally not considered true bird's eye figure, as they stem from distinct knot formations rather than the aborted bud growth seen in hardwoods.

Geographic Distribution

The bird's eye figure occurs predominantly in hard maple () from Northeastern , where it is most prevalent in regions characterized by severe winters and short growing seasons, such as , the eastern states including and New York, and adjacent areas of . These areas account for the majority of commercial harvesting, with the and Northeast reporting the highest incidence based on surveys of maple stands across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Secondary occurrences are noted in other parts of Canada, particularly Ontario and Quebec, where hard maple forests contribute to limited additional supply. European imports are minimal and derive from similar Acer species like sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), though the figure is far less common than in North American hard maple. The phenomenon is rare in Asia and , with no significant commercial sources identified outside temperate North American and limited European maple populations. Harvesting of bird's eye figured wood has emphasized sustainable practices since the , including single-tree selection and retention of higher residual basal areas to mitigate reduced incidence in managed forests. Opportunistic exploitation has prompted silvicultural adaptations to ensure long-term resource viability, as the figure cannot be reliably propagated through cultivation.

Uses and Applications

In Woodworking and Furniture

In and furniture making, the bird's eye figure is prized for its subtle, eye-like patterns that add visual interest and luxury to high-end pieces, commonly applied in , tabletops, and veneers. This figure enhances the aesthetic of items like dressers, desks, and decorative panels, where it provides a distinctive texture without overpowering simpler designs. For instance, it appears in Shaker-style furniture, contributing to the clean lines and understated reminiscent of the period. Finishing techniques for bird's eye wood emphasize preserving and accentuating the figure, typically starting with clear oils such as boiled or applied to the sanded surface to penetrate and pop the eyes, followed by a clear topcoat like or for protection. Light, transparent dyes may be used sparingly to add warmth, but heavy pigmentation or coarse fillers are avoided, as they can obscure the pattern by settling into the depressions. Due to the tight and small knots, the wood exhibits slight brittleness during machining, necessitating sharp tools to prevent tear-out. The use of bird's eye figure has historical roots in the Arts and Crafts movement (circa 1900–1920s), where it was favored for items like desks and wall panels to highlight natural wood beauty in reaction to industrialized ornamentation. In modern applications, it continues in custom and furniture, such as contemporary and tabletops, valued for its enduring decorative quality in both solid form and veneer.

In Musical Instruments

Bird's eye figure in wood is commonly employed in the construction of stringed musical instruments, particularly for and bodies of guitars, violins, and mandolins, where its distinctive aesthetic appeal enhances visual allure while the varied contributes to subtle . The figure's small, dense knots create areas of compressed wood that differ in from surrounding regions, potentially influencing transmission by altering propagation in these components. Notable applications include Gibson guitars, which have featured bird's eye maple tops in models like the Standard and Super 200 since the late , valued for their striking appearance in both acoustic and electric designs. Custom luthiers in Nashville, such as Kent Flattum, have similarly favored the wood for electric guitar necks and bodies, emphasizing its visual flair in high-end builds like the Nashville Tele. In violins, the figure appears in backs and sides, similar to the figured maple used by historical luthiers such as for tonal and decorative purposes. Mandolin makers, including Collings, incorporate it in backs and sides for models like the MT2, blending beauty with structural integrity. Regarding acoustic impact, the inhomogeneous structure of bird's eye leads to variability in modal and acoustic characteristics, where denser eye regions may slightly modify patterns to produce a nuanced tonal response, though selections are predominantly driven by . Twenty-first-century studies on tonewoods confirm that such figuring can introduce subtle differences in without fundamentally altering core sound profiles compared to plain .

Identification and Commercial Aspects

Grading and Quality Assessment

Grading of bird's eye figured wood primarily follows the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) standards for overall lumber quality, which classify boards from First and Seconds (FAS) to Standard based on the percentage of clear, defect-free wood yield, but the distinctive figure is evaluated separately using descriptors like density, uniformity, and pattern consistency to determine premium value. Key criteria include eye density, where high concentrations—often described as "heavy figure"—are prized for their consistent, closely spaced markings across the surface, compared to scattered or sparse patterns. Uniformity of eye size, typically ranging from pinhead to pea-sized, and strong contrast between the eyes and surrounding grain further elevate the grade, with larger, evenly distributed eyes commanding higher assessments than small or irregular ones. Assessment methods rely on , where boards are examined under angled or raking to highlight the subtle, swirling eye patterns that may otherwise appear faint on flat surfaces. Tools such as meters are employed to measure kiln-dried content (ideally 6-8% for stability), ensuring the wood's dimensional reliability, as excessive can exacerbate warping in figured . Defects, including cracks within the eyes, , or excessive knots, directly lower the grade by disrupting integrity and reducing usable clear area, with inspectors tallying allowable imperfections per NHLA guidelines. Quality distinctions often categorize patterns as "fancy" for symmetrical, high-density arrangements that exhibit iridescent shimmer and even distribution, versus "mottled" for more irregular or clustered figures that may lack uniformity.

Sourcing and Market Value

Bird's eye figured wood, primarily derived from hard maple (Acer saccharum), is sourced mainly from North American forests, with production concentrated in certified mills across the U.S. Midwest and supplementary imports from Canadian suppliers. Key producers include operations in states like and , where sustainable harvesting practices ensure compliance with standards to meet demand for this premium material. However, sourcing faces significant challenges due to the figure's rarity, occurring in less than 1% of trees, which limits supply and requires selective logging to identify and process affected trees efficiently. In the market, bird's eye commands premium pricing, typically ranging from $10 to $30 per as of , reflecting its and aesthetic appeal—often 3 to 5 times the cost of plain hard lumber, which averages $4 to $6 per . This elevated value is driven by demand in high-end applications, though prices have fluctuated in the due to broader disruptions in the timber industry, including logging delays and transportation bottlenecks exacerbated by global events. Higher grading levels, such as select and better, further influence pricing by ensuring denser figuring and minimal defects. Market trends indicate a rising emphasis on sustainable sourcing, with mills increasingly adopting certifications like those from the to address environmental concerns over rare figured woods. Additionally, e-commerce platforms such as have boosted accessibility for small-scale sales, enabling artisans and hobbyists to purchase figured wood directly from suppliers and supporting niche market growth.

References

  1. https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/lumber/wood-figure/figuring-out-figure--birds-eye
  2. https://www.wood-database.com/birdseye-maple/
  3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%27s-eye%20maple
  4. https://www.woodassistant.com/wood-database/curly-maple/
  5. https://lancasterliveedge.com/blog/what-is-figured-wood/
  6. http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/_%40_figure.htm
  7. https://www.nrs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/rp/rp_nc317.pdf
  8. https://academic.oup.com/jof/article/31/8/968/4720262
  9. https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/documnts/pdf1930/pillo30b.pdf
  10. https://aurora.auburn.edu/bitstream/handle/11200/2414/1666BULL.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  11. http://aurora.auburn.edu/bitstream/handle/11200/1998/1203CIRC.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  12. https://www.nrs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/gtr/gtr-p-24%20papers/13bragg-p-24.pdf
  13. https://www.wood-database.com/hard-maple/
  14. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/52001348_Birdseye_Sugar_Maple%27s_Geographic_Range_and_Some_Implications_for_Management
  15. https://www.wxpr.org/natural-resources/2019-07-09/birds-eye-wood-beautiful-and-renewable
  16. https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/is-there-a-birds-eye-pine/
  17. https://www.fs.usda.gov/ne/newtown_square/publications/technical_reports/pdfs/1999/gtr263.pdf
  18. https://exoticwoodzone.com/pages/birdseye-maple
  19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/52001110_Preliminary_silvicultural_recommendations_and_an_updated_annotated_bibliography_for_birdseye_sugar_maple
  20. https://glamorwood.com/types-of-wood/birdseye-maple/
  21. https://www.delnero.com/custom-made/birds-eye-maple-furniture.html
  22. https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/finish-for-birds-eye-maple/
  23. https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/material/birdseye-maple/
  24. https://www.tlplywood.com/news/what-is-birdseye-maple-good-for/
  25. https://www.birdseyemaple.com/maple-tonewoods.html
  26. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/22/11926
  27. https://reverb.com/item/41763744-2016-gibson-les-paul-standard-limited-run-birdseye-maple-honey-burst-near-mint-w-pafs-case
  28. https://reverb.com/item/2342643-kent-flattum-nashville-tele-1988-bridseye-maple-james-burton
  29. https://downhomeguitars.com/product/collings-mt2-italian-spruce-and-birdseye-maple-full-gloss-mandolin-with-pickguard/
  30. https://nhla.com/services/nhla-grading-rules/
  31. https://commercialforestproducts.com/birdseye-maple-lumber/
  32. https://www.cookwoods.com/products/eastern-hard-maple-w206147
  33. https://www.bellforestproducts.com/birdseye-maple/
  34. https://midwesthardwood.com/dried-hardwood-lumber/
  35. https://www.bellforestproducts.com/exotic-lumber/prices/
  36. https://www.alexanderbrothers.com/product-page/birdseye-maple
  37. https://www.advantagelumber.com/birdseyemaple.htm
  38. https://www.etsy.com/market/birdseye_maple_wood
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