7 Down feathers grow in the apteria keeping air trapped beneath the contour wings. In between contour feathers is a patch of bare skin called the apteria. The primary function of downy feathers on a bird is to form a layer of insulation to keep a bird warm. The side of the feather facing inwards is slightly hooked allowing the underside of the feathers to attach to the smooth side of the feather underneath it. The side facing outwards is smooth, helping with aerodynamics and keeping water off the bird. 5 Interestingly, contour feathers are slightly different on each side of the feather. In addition to this function, contour feathers overlay one another and are somewhat waterproof like how shingles on a roof are layered. The contour feathers can help a bird stay camouflaged from predators or serve as a warning to other birds. Second, contour feathers provide the color and design of the bird’s species. 4 Remiges and Rectrices are more rigid than other contour feathers. 3 Contour “flight” feathers are made up of Remiges (wing feathers) and Rectrices (tail feathers). The keratin found in various bird feathers are tough and flexible, providing a material that can help keep a bird in flight while being flexible for maneuverability. First, the most obvious function of these feathers is to improve a bird’s flight. Two of the types of feathers found on a bird are contour and downy.Ĭontour feathers are the feathers that form the outermost layers on a bird. In addition, there are different types of feathers on a bird, each being useful. When discussing feathers, it is important to recognize that birds can utilize feathers for multiple functions. Barbules connect barbs, like how leaves connect to branches. Barbs branch off from this central stem like branches. Rachis are the central stem, like the trunk of a tree. 1 The basic structure of a feather is formed from rachis, barbs, and barbules. Let’s start with the basics: what kind of material are bird feathers made from? Bird feathers are made from keratin, the same substance that is in the hair, nails, and teeth of humans. Although my answer describes the basic functions of each feather, there is a plethora of material about this very subject. My answer describes that contour feathers are the outermost layer of feathers on a bird and down feathers are beneath the contour feathers and keep the bird warm. Frazer, what is the difference between the contour feathers and the down feathers on a bird?” After discussing that there are multiple feathers on a bird consisting of contour and downy feathers, one of my students says: “Mr. It is the middle of Feathered Friends class.
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