2. Fashioned for Flight - What's Special About Feathers. Last Updated: April 17, 2023 With the help of renowned zoologist Jonathan Baillie, Flach traversed the globe to find his furry, you could have knocked me over with a feather, Post the Definition of feather to Facebook, Share the Definition of feather on Twitter, river 100 miles (161 kilometers) long in north central California flowing south into the Sacramento River, Palter, Dissemble, and Other Words for Lying, Skunk, Bayou, and Other Words with Native American Origins, Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. The word 'contour feathers'is used for the type of feathers that provide the birds with a streamlined figure and structure, waterproofing property, and insulation. Feathers apparently evolved from the scales of birds' reptilian ancestors, being Unique to birds. The posterior vane is the trailing edge of the feather. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contour feather.' Omissions? contour feather n any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape contour interval . Calamus: the hollow inner portion of the feather shaft that lacks barbs and attaches to the skin. Each contour feather is said to have two vanes. See Synonyms at form. below. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Similarly, our nails too have keratin in them. Lets learn more about the anatomy and types of feathers present on the bodies of different birds. These secondary feathers are the trailing edge or tips of the inner wing and tail structure. Contour feathers provide the definition of the streamlined shape and outline of the body of the bird. 2023. Tertial: the innermost flight flight feathers of the wing, attached to the humerus bone in the bird's upper arm. Feather is known as the component structure of all modern birds' flight surfaces and outer covering. In some birds, such as Bald Eagle, these are large enough to merit illustration in the Feather Atlas. Post the Definition of contour feather to Facebook, Share the Definition of contour feather on Twitter, Palter, Dissemble, and Other Words for Lying, Skunk, Bayou, and Other Words with Native American Origins, Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. Down feathers lack barbules, resulting in fluffy feathers which provide insulation below the contour feathers. Retrices: Definition (ret-try-seez) long feathers on tail: Term. Meaning and Usage. The calamus part of a feather extends into the central rachis, and these branches of the central rachis and tips attach themselves to barbs. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. The feather structure follows a branching system. Read on: Built to survive, each species is packed with fascinating adaptations from butt to bill, Identification of bird species used to make a Viking Age feather pillow, Notes on the breeding biology of the White-throated Swift in Southern California. French, from Italian contorno, from contornare to round off, from Medieval Latin, to turn around, from Latin com- + tornare to turn on a lathe more at turn entry 1. Each and every vane of contour feather is connected with small hooks. The bird contour feather also maintains the body temperature and includes waterproofing and insulation technology in the body of the bird. Nglish: Translation of feather for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of feather for Arabic Speakers, Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about feather. Basic terms that describe parts of a feather are illustrated below, and defined in the Glossary. They are stiff feathers normally found on the bird's head. A quiz to (peak/peek/pique) your interest. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. C. A. Johns. These hooks, called barbules, form a smooth texture on the surface of the fluffy hair body of a bird. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. (Most of the time.). I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Bird contour feathers typically maintain the form of calamus, vane (vanes), barbs, rachis, barbules, and barbicels. These feathers occupy the position of the ultimate contour feathers. Contour feathers form most of the surface of the bird, streamlining it for flight and often waterproofing it. noun plm Synonyms of plume 1 : a feather of a bird: such as a : a large conspicuous or showy feather b : contour feather c : plumage d : a cluster of distinctive feathers 2 a : material (such as a feather, cluster of feathers, or a tuft of hair) worn as an ornament b : a token of honor or prowess : prize 3 Delivered to your inbox! 2023. er Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word contour feather. The major types of wing feathers are illustrated below, and defined in the Glossary. Like the scales of reptiles, and those on the feet of birds, feathers are made of keratin, a fibrous protein also found in hair. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All of the barbs then get interlocked with the barbules with small hooks which hook them into one large branch. Aside from the flight structure, the contour feather allows a bird to protect itself from the harsh elements found in the atmosphere air cover. Feathers. Contour feathers are the feathers that appear first to us when we see a bird near us. Find similar words to contour feather using the buttons contour feather n any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape Notch: a distinct narrowing in the posterior vane of a primary flight feather. A line that represents such an outline. Then we see the barb. Feathers are one of the most smooth and soft objects that you have ever touched, and the texture of the feather may have made you think about how these lightweight feathers help a bird to fly high. The specialized functions of feathers like semiplumes, filoplumes, bristles, tail feathers, wing feathers, contour feathers, and flight feathers are typically for flight, defense, insulation, waterproofing, colorful displays, and camouflage function. 2023. contour feather: n. Any of the outermost feathers of a bird, forming the visible body contour and plumage. A crucial role that these counter feathers play for a bird is giving it the ability to fly. Contour definition: You can refer to the general shape or outline of an object as its contours . Barbule: a lateral branch of a feather barb. If we go deep in search of the structure of contour feathers then, the first thing you'll find out in your search is that these bird feathers are made of a substance called keratin. Barbules (tiny extensions) are formed from the barbs that are typically or normally held together in the contour feathers by the barbicels. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. Fish and Wildlife Service | Check your inbox for your latest news from us. These medium-sized feathers determine the external contour of the bird. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Flight Feathers: Definition. outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass. contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled. Primary: one of the wing's outer flight feathers, which are attached to the fused bones of the bird's "hand." These smaller branches bear tiny hook-bearing processes (barbicels) which interlock with the barbules of an adjacent barb to link the barbs into a continuous stiff vane. Notices | Feathers vary considerably in structure and function. Contour feathers are the feathers that appear first to us when we see a bird near us. Feather. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feather. Plumulaceous Barbs: barbs without interlocking barbules, forming a loose fluffy layer at the base of a contour feather; or making up the entirety of a down feather. They are rather long, but are mostly hidden by the contour-feathers. Send us feedback about these examples. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feather.' Barbs are the numerous branches that remain of the rachis that forms the vane of a feather and a bird's wings. noun contour feather any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape 3; noun contour feather one of the feathers that form the surface plumage of a bird, including those of the wings and tail but excluding such specialized types as downs and filoplumes. The tiny hooks hold the barbules together by forming an interlock in them. those feathers that form the general covering of a bird. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Learn a new word every day. The contour feathers are seen to cover the outer body of the bird in regularly arranged rows. About the U.S. Contour feathers. Bird contour feathers make an amazing protective layer and typically cover the outer skin of birds. Definition of 'contour feather' contour feather in British English noun any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape Collins English Dictionary. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Send us feedback about these examples. Yes! Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Such feather types include the primary feathers, the secondary feathers, the tail feathers, the contour feathers, the down feathers, the bristle feathers, the wing feathers, the semiplumes, and the filoplumes. Another part of the contour feathers is the one called 'rachis'. contour synonyms, contour pronunciation, contour translation, English dictionary definition of contour. The streamlined shape of the feather attracts people towards the bird's wings. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background. Normally, the contour feathers are what you see when you observe a bird. Tegmen: a shiny or waxy-looking patch along the shaft on the underside of primaries of waterfowl and some gamebirds, gulls, and owl. 2. . All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Feathers include the smaller down feathers and the larger contour and flight feathers. Contour feathers and flight feathers are what we see on the outside of a bird. The leading contour feathers cover the body of a bird and maintain the protective layer and structure of the bird's skin. FEATHER, CONTOUR: A feather that lies on the outside of the feather mass of a bird and defines its general shape. Human hair is also made of keratin. The part called the 'calamus' is the shaft of the bird's contour feather. Contour feathers appear on every part of the birds body except for its feet, legs, and beak. (Zoology) any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape. Any of the outermost feathers of a bird, forming the visible body contour and plumage. Flight Feathers: the large wing and tail feathers that provide lift and maneuverability in flight (see "Remiges" and "Rectrices"). Most bird species have 9-10 primaries. noun any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape Collins English Dictionary. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! `I can see his tongue, a pointed, triangular affair, working the plumes into the svelte vanes that form each, Birds have two types of advanced feathers used in flight and for body smoothing, the, Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, Morphometric tools for sexing loggerhead shrikes in California, Characterization of embryonic feather follicle development in the Chinese indigenous Jilin white Goose, Origin of Feathers Pushed Back 70 Million Years. FOIA. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page | Define contour. And half of these specialized waterproof contour feathers have a fluffy soft part that is tucked inside or close to the body. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. The UV rays passing and preening near and through the earths surface and atmosphere could affect the bird's skin and health. Contour Feathers: the feathers forming the bird's outer body covering, including the flight feathers and the overlapping body feathers that produce the bird's smooth aerodynamic shape. https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/contour+feathers, Iridescent colors such as the head feathers of greater scaup, a hummingbird's throat patch (gorget), and the, The specimens from Liaoning show evidence that Confuciusornis had feathers along its leg, making this the earliest record of, Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. If obvious, usually indicates that a feather is from waterfowl. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Interlocking barbules are clearly seen in the middle image. outline, contour, profile, silhouette mean the line that bounds and gives form to something. Tail feathers cover the back feathers of the bird. Lores: Definition. The semiplumes located under the counter feathers also serve the purpose of insulation. Well, there are actually more than three types of feathers on a birds body. American Heritage Medicine (ornithology) Any feather possessing a central shaft (rachis), usually with vanes composed of barbs. "Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2" by Various. Exploring the definition of diva-dom is the exhibition DIVA, just opened at the V&A, London. : an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure : shape the sleek contours of the car The map shows the contour of the coastline. Middle English fether, from Old English; akin to Old High German federa wing, Latin petere to go to, seek, Greek petesthai to fly, piptein to fall, pteron wing, before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a, 13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a. Nglish: Translation of contour for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of contour for Arabic Speakers. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Contour feathers found on the body create a smooth, aerodynamic surface. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. This process is called molting. See Synonyms at outline. Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Contour feathers often aid in streamlining. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. noun : one of the medium-sized feathers that form the general covering of a bird and determine the external contour Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web The contour feathers interlock and overlap with tiny barbs (actually called barbules), forming a water and windproof protective outer layer on their bodies. The basal portion may be downy and thus act . Contour. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour. As a matter of fact, six major types of feathers are classified for various purposes. Copyright HarperCollins Publishers Examples of 'contour feather' in a sentence contour feather https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/contour+feather. The two clavicles of birds are fused, forming the furcula or wishbone, which is both flexible and strong enough to support to the shoulder girdle during flapping. Webster's New World Similar definitions Advertisement Contour Feathers Is Also Mentioned In filoplume aftershaft down remiges Find Similar Words Find similar words to contour feathers using the buttons below. The central shaft also has flattened vanes on both sides. Disclaimer | Colours and patterns in feathers serve as protective coloration or for sexual Read More The number of secondaries varies from 9-25 depending on the species. Privacy Policy. Contour feathers are what you see covering the bird's body and streamlining its shape. There are different kinds of feathers that give purpose to the bird and its wings, as well as its body and flight. Subadult: a bird that is not fully adult, in species that require more than one year to achieve adult plumage (e.g. Ventral: the under surface of the body, or of any body part oriented in a normal horizontal postion. An interesting fact that you might not know is that contour feathers have colors only at the part that we see on the bird's body, that is, at the ends of the feather. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Birds have several different types of feathers and each type is specialized to serve a different function. 2. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Feathers may be modified for insulation, flight, courtship, sun-shading, defense, and other functions. Barb: an individual strand of feather material (keratin), extending laterally from the rachis. Among these feather types, the tail feathers, contour feathers, wing feathers, and other flight feathers that provide shape and stability to the wing and tail of a bird are very important to the bird and its flight. The patterns like overlapping shingles of the contour feather make the bird's skin waterproof with their end feather tips, which are exposed outside of the body to the elements like air, downy rainwater, heat, wind, and pressure. Those which extend beyond the body on the wings and serve for flight are termed flight feathers. Primaries eleven; fifth secondary wanting; after shaft to contour feathers present. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! Sometimes called the quill. silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! The rachis is the central shaft or the part of the contour feather of a bird where the vane is mainly attached to the wings.
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