Bird's Eye Figure
Bird's eye is a distinctive figure pattern in wood consisting of small, circular indentations that resemble bird's eyes scattered across the surface. It is most commonly found in hard maple but can occur in other species. The exact cause is debated but is believed to involve localized fiber distortions during growth.
In-Depth Explanation
Bird's eye maple is one of the most prized figured woods in the world, commanding prices several times higher than plain maple. The small, round dimples create a three-dimensional appearance that seems to shift and shimmer as the viewing angle changes, an optical effect enhanced by clear finishes. Despite extensive study, scientists have not definitively identified the cause of bird's eye figure — theories range from fungal infection to genetic mutation to bud trace disruptions. Bird's eye cannot be detected from the outside of a log; it is typically discovered when the log is sliced into veneer or sawn into boards. Veneer is the most common use because it maximizes the coverage of this rare material. Bird's eye maple is traditionally used in high-end furniture, musical instruments, automotive dashboards, and decorative panels.
Usage Example
The luthier selected a bird's eye maple billet for the guitar back, choosing a piece with dense, evenly distributed eyes for maximum visual impact.