EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Contour feathers (including the flight and tail feathers) define the body outline and serve as aerodynamic devices; filoplumes (hair feathers) and plumules (down feathers) are used principally as insulation, to conserve body heat.

Detailed explanation-2: -Contour feathers are what you see covering the bird’s body and streamlining its shape. Arranged in an overlapping pattern like shingles, the waterproof tips are exposed to the elements and the fluffy bases are tucked close to the body.

Detailed explanation-3: -The smaller feathers that cover a bird’s body are called contour feathers. They lie flat against its body to protect it from wind, cold and sun. They also give the body a smooth, streamlined shape for flying.

Detailed explanation-4: -Body Down lies under the contour feathers of many adult birds. These are more common in waterbirds such as penguins, loons, and ducks.

Detailed explanation-5: -Contour feathers cover the body of the bird, providing protection from the environment. They also provide the bird’s coloring. Down feathers are small, soft, and fluffy, and provide insulation. Semiplumes are halfway between down and contour, and are found between contour feathers.