afterfeather

Feather's smaller twin

An afterfeather is a small, often downy secondary feather that grows from the base of a main feather's shaft, typically hidden beneath the outer plumage.

These auxiliary structures help with insulation and temperature regulation in birds.

Also called an aftershaft.

insulation

down

Toward lower ground

warmthHeat you feel
thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
loftSpace beneath the roof

trap · fluffiness · underlayer · body heat · insulating · plumage · covert · soft · lightweight · breathable

structure

down

Toward lower ground

barbBackward-pointing spike
barbuleFeather barb's tiny branch
rachisCentral supporting shaft

calamus · shaft · vane · hooklet · plumule · quill · keratin · umbilicus · superior · inferior

plumage

coverts

Concealing undergrowth or plumage

contourBounding line of shape
moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
preeningGrooming with vanity

feathered · bristle · ornithology · bird · down · undercoat · secondary

afterfeather

down

down

coverts

afterfeather

Opposites

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