contour feather
Outer bird plume
Contour feathers are the outer feathers that cover a bird's body and give it its visible shape.
They overlap like shingles, creating a smooth, streamlined surface that protects against weather and aids flight.
The term distinguishes them from the softer down feathers beneath, which provide insulation rather than structure.
Central supporting shaft
- barbBackward-pointing spike
- barbuleFeather barb's tiny branch
- hookletDiminutive curved fastener
- vaneWind direction indicator
calamus · shaft · quill · afterfeather · keratin · symmetrical · interlocking · zipping
Mechanism for vertical transport
- airflowMovement of atmosphere
- streamlineRemove unnecessary elements
- aerodynamicMinimizing drag through shape
- glideMove with effortless continuity
soar · maneuverability · drag · thrust · wing · primary · secondary · coverts
Obscure in meaning
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- blendCombine into mixture
disruptive · countershading · mimicry · habitat · hiding · mottled · adaptive · plumage
Making impervious to moisture
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- weatherproofingProtection from outdoor conditions
- overlappingCovering part of another
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
repellent · barrier · windproof · sleek · thermal regulation · elements · exposure · rain
Surface hue arrangement
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- mottledHaving irregular color patches
- speckledDotted with small marks
striped · glossy · sheen · pigment · melanin · carotenoid · display · breeding
Grooming with vanity
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
- oilingApplying slick substance
- realigningAdjusting position again
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
grooming · replacing · shedding · regrowth · follicle · damage · repair · dust bathing
rachis
Central supporting shaft
vane · calamus · shaft · quill · afterfeather · keratin · symmetrical · interlocking · zipping · flexible
lift
Mechanism for vertical transport
- airflowMovement of atmosphere
- streamlineRemove unnecessary elements
- aerodynamicMinimizing drag through shape
glide · soar · maneuverability · drag · thrust · wing · primary · secondary · coverts · airfoil
cryptic
Obscure in meaning
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
blend · disruptive · countershading · mimicry · habitat · hiding · mottled · adaptive · plumage · seasonal
waterproofing
Making impervious to moisture
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- weatherproofingProtection from outdoor conditions
- overlappingCovering part of another
shield · repellent · barrier · windproof · sleek · thermal regulation · elements · exposure · rain · sun
coloration
Surface hue arrangement
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- mottledHaving irregular color patches
speckled · striped · glossy · sheen · pigment · melanin · carotenoid · display · breeding · courtship
preening
Grooming with vanity
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
- oilingApplying slick substance
- realigningAdjusting position again
waterproofing · grooming · replacing · shedding · regrowth · follicle · damage · repair · dust bathing
contour featherdown feather
Soft bird underlayer
down · plumule · flight feather · undercoat · plume
feather, contour, contour feathers, contours, contoured, contouring