Feather

Feathers are <a href="/facts/Epidermis_(zoology)/lGgYBMum">epidermal</a> growths that form a distinctive outer covering, or <a href="/facts/Plumage/7QrTsra5">plumage</a>, on both <a href="/facts/Bird/RJF6zwLP">avian</a> (bird) and some non-avian <a href="/facts/Dinosaur/JRdMqBnq">dinosaurs</a> and other <a href="/facts/Archosaur/Urd4MHfp">archosaurs</a>. They are the most complex <a href="/facts/Integumentary/vCEm01JG">integumentary</a> structures found in <a href="/facts/Vertebrate/tT54FSTT">vertebrates</a> and an example of a complex evolutionary novelty. They are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant <a href="/facts/Aves/RJF6zwLP">birds</a> from other living groups.
Although feathers cover most of the bird's body, they arise only from certain well-defined tracts on the skin. They aid in flight, thermal insulation, and waterproofing. In addition, coloration helps in communication and <a href="/facts/Crypsis/f1fBxAsy">protection</a>. The study of feathers is called plumology (or plumage science).
People use feathers in many ways that are practical, cultural, and religious. Feathers are both soft and excellent at trapping <a href="/facts/Heat/FjDGssCs">heat</a>; thus, they are sometimes used in high-class <a href="/facts/Bedding/NhK8oMmE">bedding</a>, especially <a href="/facts/Pillow/cIHGf19G">pillows</a>, <a href="/facts/Blanket/ykhrQ7Ng">blankets</a>, and <a href="/facts/Mattress/6nG56eDX">mattresses</a>. They are also used as filling for winter <a href="/facts/Clothing/5J5RhkYY">clothing</a> and outdoor bedding, such as quilted <a href="/facts/Coat_(clothing)/VopMFUYf">coats</a> and <a href="/facts/Sleeping_bag/CcCIpHss">sleeping bags</a>. <a href="/facts/Goose/wrfeyJT2">Goose</a> and <a href="/facts/Eider/gsxmdQld">eider</a> <a href="/facts/Down_feather/pkb6hQQI">down</a> have great loft, the ability to expand from a compressed, stored state to trap large amounts of compartmentalized, insulating air. Feathers of large birds (most often <a href="/facts/Goose/wrfeyJT2">geese</a>) have been and are used to make <a href="/facts/Quill/HxjSD59R">quill</a> pens. Historically, the <a href="/facts/Plume_hunting/MBeRCsse">hunting of birds for decorative and ornamental feathers</a> has endangered some species and helped to contribute to the extinction of others. Today, feathers used in fashion and in military headdresses and clothes are obtained as a waste product of poultry farming, including <a href="/facts/Chicken/RD2eTd83">chickens</a>, <a href="/facts/Goose/wrfeyJT2">geese</a>, <a href="/facts/Turkey_(bird)/wcWbq1PN">turkeys</a>, <a href="/facts/Pheasant/TS49HPgs">pheasants</a>, and <a href="/facts/Ostrich/yNg0BwDf">ostriches</a>. These feathers are dyed and manipulated to enhance their appearance, as poultry feathers are naturally often dull in appearance compared to the feathers of wild birds.

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Feather