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Feather: Parts, Types, Functions & Uses

Muskan Shafi
Content Writer
Feather is a soft, fringed plume that covers the bodies of birds. Feathers are scientifically defined as
the growths or appendages that are formed on the skin of a bird. Feathers can be of various shapes,
sizes, and colors. Some of them are tiny and downy, while others are large and brilliantly
colored. Feathers are used by birds for insulation, body contour forming, flight, and sensory
reception. They are a characteristic feature of birds that separates them from other organisms. They are
also used by humans for various purposes like making medicines, high-quality bedding, and understanding
the evolution of birds.
Table of Content
1. What are Feathers?
2. Parts of Feathers
3. Structure of Feathers
4. Types of Feathers
5. Functions of Feathers
6. Usage of Feathers
7. Things to Remember
8. Sample Questions
Key Terms: Feathers, Beta Keratin Protein, Rachis, Barbs, Evolution of Birds, Flight, Birds, Insulation,
Sensory Reception, Plumes

What are Feathers?

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Feathers are a component of the outer covering and flight surfaces of all modern birds. Feathers are
unique to birds and have apparently evolved from the scales of birds’ reptilian ancestors.
 Feathers are part of the integumentary system in birds.
 They are made up of a special type of protein known as Beta Keratin Protein.
 Feathers do not cover the skin surface of birds completely.
 Feathers are arranged in symmetrical tracts with areas of bare skin in between.
 There are various types of feathers specialized for insulation, flight, formation of body contours,
display, and sensory reception.
 Feathers are used for the flying purpose of birds.
 Feathers
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Parts of Feathers

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

A typical feather has two main components namely:
 Rachis: It is the central shaft present in the feather.
 Barbs: It refers to a serial paired branch that forms a curved and flattened surface called a vane. It
has roots and is connected by hooks that stiffen the vane.
In several birds, either some or all of the feathers do not have the hooks or the barbules, and the plumage
has a hairlike and loose appearance.
 Parts of Feathers

Structure of Feathers

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Feathers are characterized by the most complex integumentary appendages. It is mainly found in
vertebrates.
 Feathers are formed in the tiny follicles of birds.
 They contain keratin proteins in the outer skin layer known as the epidermis.
 Structurally, the Beta Keratin Protein that is present in the feathers of birds is a protein composed
of protein strands.
 These protein strands are hydrogen-bonded into the beta-pleated sheets.
 They are a lot stronger than the keratins present in mammalian horns and hooves.
Read More: Difference Between Homologous and Analogous Structures

Types of Feathers

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Feathers are divided into various types on the basis of their morphology. Some of the well-known types of
feathers are as follows:
Flight Feathers
 Flight feathers are present on the tails and the wings of birds.
 As the name itself suggests, these feathers are mainly used by birds during their flights.
 The size of flight feathers is usually large.
Contour Feathers
 Contour Feathers are known as the exterior feathers of a bird.
 These feathers contribute to the shape and color of the actual feathers of the birds.
  The upper part of the contour feathers is waterproof.
 It is made of barbs that form a stiff vane, the flat surface of the feather.
 The lower part of the contour feather helps in the process of thermoregulation.
Down Feathers
 Down feathers of the birds are very soft due to the absence of interlocking barbules of pennaceous
feathers.
 This makes them very soft and fluffy.
 These feathers are located under the sturdier exterior feathers.
 Chicks of hens and young birds are covered by these types of feathers on hatching.
 There are mainly three types of down feathers namely natal down, powder down, and body down
feathers.

Types of Feathers
Read More: Scientific Name and Classification of Albatross
Bristles Feathers
 Bristle feathers are a special type of feather found around the neck, head, eyelids, and mouth.
 The speed and direction of the air are understood by the birds due to the presence of these
feathers.
 These also perform the best function of the eyelids by safeguarding the bird's eyes from dust and
insects.
Semiplume Feathers
 Semiplume feathers are the cross between the contour feather and the down feather.
 Interlocking in barbs is not present in these types of feathers.
 The main function of this feather is to provide the birds with insulation.
Filoplume Feathers
 Filoplume Feathers look like paint brushes.
 They are the smallest type of feathers.
 The exact function of this feather is not known yet and they are being researched.
Functions of Feathers

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Feathers are one of the most important parts present in the body of the bird. Some of the most important
functions of feathers are as follows:
 Visual Communication: Birds are able to communicate with each other with the help of their
feathers.
 Flight: The main function of the feathers in the bird is Flying. It helps birds in all types of flights.
 Protection: The feathers protect the birds from various types of problems like fluctuating and the
poor conditions of the environment.
 Insulation: Insulation is also one of the most important functions of feathers. It protects the birds
from the cold and water.
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Usage of Feathers

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Feathers are used for various purposes in birds. Some of the well-known uses of feathers are as follows:
 Feathers are used in various societies for Ornamentation and regalia.
 Accouterments like hats are decorated or totally constructed using Feathers.
 Feathers of various colorful species of birds are protected by the governments to prevent the
extinction of such feathers by the hands of feather hunters.
 Feathers from domestic fowl slaughtered for meat are given to poultry farmers as a by-
product used for padding, decoration, and insulation.
 Due to the soft and heat-trapping properties of the feathers, they are used in building high-class
bedding, especially blankets, mattresses, and pillows.
 Feathers are also used as filling for outdoor bedding and winter clothing, such as sleeping bags
and quilted coats.
 Feathers are also used in the religion and the spiritual culture of humans.
 Feathers of birds are also used for making traditional medicines for coughs, snakebites, and
even infertility.
 Feathers of the birds help humans in knowing about their evolution.

Things to Remember
 Feathers are epidermal growths that form a distinctive outer covering on birds.
 Feathers are made up of the Beta Keratin Protein.
 Rachis and Barbs are the two components of feathers.
 Feathers are considered to be evolved from the scales of the reptilian ancestors of birds.
 Functions of feathers include protection, insulation, flight, and visual communication.
 There are six types of feathers namely Down Feathers, Contour Feathers, Filoplumes, Bristles,
Flight Feathers, and Semiplume Feathers.
Sample Questions
Ques. What is the function of feathers in birds? (3 Marks)
Ques. What are birds? (3 Marks)
Ques. What are feathers? (2 Marks)
Ques. How is the evolution of the birds tracked? (3 Marks)
Ques. What are the various parts of the feathers of the birds? (2 Marks)
Ques. What are the various types of feathers? (2 Marks)
Ques. What are the various uses of feathers for birds? (2 Marks)
Ques. What are the various uses of feathers for Humans? (3 Marks)
Ques. When did the first bird evolve? (1 Mark)
Ques. What are the characteristics of bird evolution? (2 Marks)
Ques. What is the name of the first bird in the world? (2 Marks)
Ques. How are the feathers related to the religion and the culture of humans? (3 Marks)
Ques. How do feathers help birds to stay warm? (3 Marks)
Ques. How do feathers protect birds from changes in weather? (3 Marks)
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Feather: Parts, Types, Functions & Uses