Random 3D Question that has Nothing to do with Field Prod.

So, I recently saw a review for the movie "Rango" and when watching clips from it, I randomly had the thought "how do animators make feathers on birds." I know some preliminary stuff about 3D and know, generally, how modelers make hair, but do they use as similar concept to make feathers or not? I mean, hair, though organized, can be made random within certain areas and parameters, but because feathers have a precise function, placement, and position on birds (not to mention that they don't bend easily), would using a generator similar to that of hair work? Not to mention that feathers have "hair" on them (I don't know the technical name). I don't know, only that it must have taken a bit of time to make.

X-Men: First Class

So...as some of you may or may not know, a new X-Men movie is on its way. The movie is going to tell the back story of Professor X and Magneto, the discovery of their powers and the events that surround and are caused by this awakening. 20th century fox recently released the official trailer for the movie. Personally I feel as though the trailer is extremely well done, and it gives a unique preview to what the movie has in store. The link to the trailer is in the title in case you haven't yet seen it.