answersLogoWhite

0

Feathers serve numerous functions.

  • They assist in insulating the bird against the weather, forming a protective, water resistant layer.
  • The downy feathers underneath help the bid regulate its temperature by trapping pockets of air close to the bird's body. Birds "fluff up" their feathers to rearrange them, which helps e bird adjust how much body heat they retain or lose.
  • Water birds (e.g. ducks, swans) use this same function of trapping air pockets to help them float.
  • In flighted birds, there are special stiff flight feathers which assist them in flying.
  • The facial feathers of birds such as owls help direct sounds towards their ears, so they can detect their prey more effectively. Nocturnal predators such as owls also have feathers that muffle their sound while they're in flight, so that orey are not as easily alerted to their presence.
  • For many birds, the feathers are specially coloured to provide effective camouflage.
User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?