Feathers


 * **Contour feathers** give the bird its characteristic smooth round shape. They also give the bird its visual coloring and provide a first level of defense against physical objects, sunlight, wind and rain. They are very important. || [[image:http://fernbank.edu/Birding/birdID/Feathers/contour.jpg width="160" height="204" caption="contour"]] ||
 * **Down feathers** are smaller and lack the barbules and their accompanying hooklets so they are not zipped together and do not look as neat. In fact they are soft and fluffy. They provide most of the insulation and are so good at this that mankind for many years collected down feathers from various birds to put into sleeping bags and jackets to help keep us warm. || [[image:http://fernbank.edu/Birding/birdID/Feathers/down.jpg width="165" height="181" caption="down"]] ||