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The base layer of feathers on birds contain small, fluffy, and extremely soft shafted feathers called the down. These are the feathers used in making pillows, comforters and clothing. They provide the insulation needed to protect and maintain their body temperatures during cooler temperatures.

When temperatures heat up, however, birds can often be seen "sunning" themselves. By opening their wings and spreading their feathers apart they are able to produce a cooling affect by increasing air circulation. Turning their backs to the sun with the feathers in this position will reflect the sun's rays rather than absorbing them. This also acts to shade their legs and feet which are not insulated.

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18y ago

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Why do birds ruffle their feathers on a hot day?

Just like humans sweat to cool there body down, birds ruffle their feathers to cool themselves down


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Which bird has down?

All birds have feathers, and all birds have down, which are the softer, inner feathers.


How are some mammals hair like down feathers?

Down feathers are the feathers closest to a birds body, they need them to maintain the right temperature. An animals fur is there to lock in heat.


What is under the feathers of a bird that keeps the bird warm in freezing temperature?

Down feathers are feathers that lie under a birds body and primary feathers. These feathers are small and puffy, and trap warm air under a bird's feathers.


What are down feathers?

Down feathers are the soft under plumage found beneath the outer, tougher feathers of birds, typically of waterfowl such as ducks and geese. They are known for their insulating properties, providing warmth while remaining lightweight. Down feathers are commonly used in bedding and clothing to create warm and cozy products.


What is a downy feather?

The down of birds is a layer of fine feathers found under the tougher exterior feathers. Very young birds are clad only in down. Powder down is a specialized type of down found only in a few groups of birds. These fluffy feathers are designed to insulate birds to keep them warm.


What kind of feathers are found right next to the birds skin?

Down feathers.


What is tightly packed feathers?

Down feathers are tightly packed feathers found under the outer feathers of birds. They provide excellent insulation and warmth due to their ability to trap air close to the body. Down feathers are commonly used as insulation in bedding and winter clothing.


Do down feather's. give birds their colors?

No, down feathers do not give birds their colors. The colors of birds primarily come from pigments in their feathers, such as melanin and carotenoids, or from structural coloration, which is the result of the microscopic structure of the feathers. Down feathers, which are soft and fluffy, are primarily used for insulation and do not typically contribute to the bird's coloration.


What is the difference between down feather-endotherm?

Down feathers provide a an insulating layer next to the skin of adult birds and cover the bodies of young birds. Endotherm maintain a constant body temperature.