What is a birdie in badminton?

In badminton, a birdie is also known as a shuttlecock or shuttle. It is a conical-shaped object made of feathers (usually from a goose or duck) or nylon, with a small, rounded cork or rubber base. It is used as the projectile in a badminton game, and players hit it back and forth across the net using their badminton rackets. The birdie's shape and weight allow it to fly through the air quickly and accurately, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay. The birdie also has a unique trajectory and flight pattern compared to other sports balls, making badminton a challenging and exciting sport to play and watch.