Birds have several different types of feathers and each type is specialized to serve a different function. Find similar words to contour feather using the buttons Copyright HarperCollins Publishers contour feather in American English noun Ornithology Privacy | Last Updated: April 17, 2023 Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. one of the feathers that form the surface plumage of a bird including those of the wings and tail. The central shaft also has flattened vanes on both sides. Rachis: the upper portion of the feather shaft, to which the barbs are attached. The leading contour feathers cover the body of a bird and maintain the protective layer and structure of the bird's skin. Even from the smallest bird to the largest bird species, feathers are unique for their intricate microscopic form and tips and their outer cover texture that show the smooth and silky details of wings, the tail, and the head of a birds skin. See Synonyms at outline. Keratin is an insoluble protein particle that is also found mostly in mammalian hairs and reptilian scales. Contour feather | ornithology | Britannica below. 29.5A: Characteristics of Birds - Biology LibreTexts b. (Most of the time.). And the feathers of a bird do the work of blocking harmful rays from reaching and affecting the bird's body. And the tail feathers themselves article themselves with a bird's pygostyle. The chest muscles of birds are highly developed as they are responsible for the flapping of the entire wing. Colours and patterns in feathers serve as protective coloration or for sexual. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Each contour feather has a downy and horny central shaft on each side of the birds body. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. 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. Vane: the smooth feather surface formed by the interlocked pennaceous barbs. Flight Feathers: the large wing and tail feathers that provide lift and maneuverability in flight (see "Remiges" and "Rectrices"). Everything You Need To Know About Feathers In some birds, such as Bald Eagle, these are large enough to merit illustration in the Feather Atlas. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! Contour feather definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary Arranged in an overlapping pattern like shingles, the waterproof tips are exposed to the elements and the fluffy bases are tucked close to the body. All rights reserved. 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. Contour definition: You can refer to the general shape or outline of an object as its contours . Primary: one of the wing's outer flight feathers, which are attached to the fused bones of the bird's "hand." The stiff, as well as fluffy, outer cover of the playing feathers of the birds are the contour feathers. 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. Feather: Anatomy and Function - ThoughtCo 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. Barbs are the numerous branches that remain of the rachis that forms the vane of a feather and a bird's wings. They cover the body of the bird and have more down at the lower part of the feather. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Contour feather - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com 2. 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. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. 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. they are a very sports-minded couple, and most of their friends are of the same, prom couples strutted into the ballroom in full, Larger animals slough off DNA in skin, scales, and, Acid pastels and a statement ring make for fine, Newsletter Most breeds of chicken go around barefoot, with no, The largest flying land bird in North America known for its bald head and black, They are nestled in like a glamorous birds nest; no, This plumage coloration is entirely due to melanins, because no carotenoids or other pigments have been isolated from barn owl, Enter soap brows, a style of brows that are, The hourlong episode depicts landscapes that are breathtaking; characters that are hairy, finned and, Dermestid Beetles Fed Off the Feathered Taken from caves and outcroppings throughout Spain, the fragments of amber feature the fossil molts of beetles and a flurry of fossilized, Doja Cat stepped out on the carpet with a prosthetic cat face, rounding out the feline fashion moment with a glittering and. Feather Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster These hooks, called barbules, form a smooth texture on the surface of the fluffy hair body of a bird. Tail feathers cover the back feathers of the bird. Accessed 28 Jun. Exploring the definition of diva-dom is the exhibition DIVA, just opened at the V&A, London. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Let's start the list with the calamus. Each and every vane of contour feather is connected with small hooks. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. n. 1. a. They also serve as an insulation layer for the bird's skin. Send us feedback about these examples. Contour feathers are the main protective shield feathers that act as an insulation layer and a protective layer from the UV rays of the sun. Feather - Wikipedia Fashioned for Flight - What's Special About Feathers. A quiz to (peak/peek/pique) your interest. er fe-thr Synonyms of feather 1 a : any of the light, horny, epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds Note: Feathers include the smaller down feathers and the larger contour and flight feathers. Bird Academy's A-to-Z Glossary of Bird Terms - All About Birds Princeton's WordNet (0.00 / 0 votes) Rate this definition: contour feather noun feathers covering the body of an adult bird and determining its shape When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. 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. Anterior region of a contour feather from a rock pigeon, visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Remiges: the flight feathers of the wing, including the primaries, secondaries, and tertials. The feather structure follows a branching system. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! They are rather long, but are mostly hidden by the contour-feathers. (Zoology) any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape. Feather. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feather. Birds have two types of feather - contour and flight. And all these barbules are held together by the barbicels, which are tiny hooks. C. A. Johns. Photographs from USFWS, U.S. A visual coloring treat to the birds body is provided by these contour feathers. https://www.thefreedictionary.com/contour+feather. Nglish: Translation of feather for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of feather for Arabic Speakers, Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about feather. Larger feathers consist of a shaft (rachis) bearing branches (barbs) which bear smaller branches (barbules). These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contour.' Bird contour feathers typically maintain the form of calamus, vane (vanes), barbs, rachis, barbules, and barbicels. Contour feather Pennaceous feathers. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. The posterior vane is the trailing edge of the feather. the longer contour feathers that extend beyond the body and are used in flight: Term. the feathers that give the bird its outward form: Term. About the U.S. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Calamus is hollow and attached to the birds skin and body. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. FEATHER, CONTOUR: A feather that lies on the outside of the feather mass of a bird and defines its general shape. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Barbule: a lateral branch of a feather barb. 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. Tertial: the innermost flight flight feathers of the wing, attached to the humerus bone in the bird's upper arm. (Most of the time.). Subadult: a bird that is not fully adult, in species that require more than one year to achieve adult plumage (e.g. Notices | We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. The vane is a flattened surface or part of the contour feather of a bird that would attach itself to the rachis on both sides. These medium-sized feathers determine the external contour of the bird. Then we see the barb. Each contour feather is said to have two vanes. What Is a Plural Possessive Noun? Contour feathers; contour flight; contour interval; contour language; 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. Contour Feathers: Anatomy, Types, Growth, And Facts | Kidadl If you liked our suggestions for contour feathers, then why not take a look at feather identification, or highest flying bird? Contour - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com 2023. A line that represents such an outline. Your privacy is important to us. Feathers are known to be the ultimate characteristic of a bird. Also, the contour feathers act as a protective layer for physical obstacles like air, wind, and downy pouring rain. USA.gov | These feathers not only serve the purpose of adding beauty to the bird and its skin, but they also have many important functions. Lets learn more about the anatomy and types of feathers present on the bodies of different birds. 2. . Contour Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Contour - definition of contour by The Free Dictionary When 'thingamajig' and 'thingamabob' just won't do, A simple way to keep them apart. Feathers. The coverts, which are the contour feathers on the wings, shape the birds body into an effective airfoil. A small feather that grows from the lower shaft of a contour feather and resembles the main feather but in miniature. 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. In such species, age is often estimated by plumage stage (e.g., Subadult I, II, and III for Bald Eagles). To save this word, you'll need to log in. When 'thingamajig' and 'thingamabob' just won't do, A simple way to keep them apart. Colours and patterns in feathers serve as protective coloration or for sexual Read More The streamlined structure and the sharp end and shape of the contour feather have a property that helps the bird in its flight and for the balance in the sky to fly high. contour feather definition | English definition dictionary | Reverso Department of the Interior | typical contour feathers are the flight quills on the wings and tail. Definition of 'contour feather' - Collins Online Dictionary Contour feathers. As a matter of fact, six major types of feathers are classified for various purposes. Basic terms that describe parts of a feather are illustrated below, and defined in the Glossary. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Contour feather | definition of contour feather by Medical dictionary creative tips and more. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, 2. Coverts: the contour feathers that cover the bases of the flight feathers. Down feathers lack barbules, resulting in fluffy feathers which provide insulation below the contour feathers. "The exhibition will show that there are many definitions and interpretations of a diva," lead curator . Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Ventral: the under surface of the body, or of any body part oriented in a normal horizontal postion. Contour feathers are the feathers that appear first to us when we see a bird near us. Normally, the contour feathers are what you see when you observe a bird. 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. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Send us feedback about these examples. The branching between calamus, rachis, barb, and barbules with small hooks interlocks to form a feather structure or pattern on the birds body and skin. Delivered to your inbox! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. FOIA. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Other than this material, there are different parts to the counter feather of a bird. noun Feathers, including the wing and tail feathers, that form the surface plumage of a bird and determine the outer contour. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. the process a bird uses to trim and clean its feathers with its bill . The part called the 'calamus' is the shaft of the bird's contour feather. Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Learn a new word every day. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Contour feathers are what you see covering the bird's body and streamlining its shape. 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. The contour layers provide the function of streamlining and waterproofing the bird's skin and body and form the structure. outline, contour, profile, silhouette mean the line that bounds and gives form to something. and 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. outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass. Feathers are made up of a protein beta called keratin. The number of secondaries varies from 9-25 depending on the species. Retrices: Definition (ret-try-seez) long feathers on tail: Term. If obvious, usually indicates that a feather is from waterfowl. And you, enthusiastic and artistic kids who own a bird of feathers as a pet, might not restrict yourself from collecting all the molted feathers from the birdcage. Dorsal: the upper surface of the body, or of any body part oriented in a normal horizontal position. Notch: a distinct narrowing in the posterior vane of a primary flight feather. Like the scales of reptiles, and those on the feet of birds, feathers are made of keratin, a fibrous protein also found in hair. Contour feathers appear on every part of the birds body except for its feet, legs, and beak. Feathers (and scales) are largely composed of beta-keratin - a strong fibrous protein. "Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2" by Various. Contour feathers Definition, Meaning & Usage | FineDictionary.com 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. Contour feathers - definition of Contour feathers by The Free Dictionary . Contour Feathers Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contour feather.' age-specific fecundity The average birth rate for females in a particular age group in a population. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. The general covering displays of these birds' skin are the contour feathers. This type of feather is present in most modern birds and has been shown in some species of maniraptoriform dinosaurs. functions of the integumentary system: Definition . contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled. On remiges, the anterior vane is on the forward side of the rachis (the leading edge). Contour feather. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour%20feather. Those which extend beyond the body on the wings and serve for flight are termed flight feathers. Feathers vary considerably in structure and function. The Feather Atlas illustrates feathers in ventral view only when the under surface is very different from the upper surface (e.g., in Black and Turkey Vultures). Contour feathers definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary Bird - Morphological features | Britannica The semiplumes located under the counter feathers also serve the purpose of insulation. Most scans in the Feather Atlas illustrate the feathers in dorsal view, showing the upper surface of the feathers. Any of the outermost feathers of a bird, forming the visible body contour and plumage. In some birds, such as eagles, these are large enough to merit illustration in the Feather Atlas. The calamus part of a feather extends into the central rachis, and these branches of the central rachis and tips attach themselves to barbs. Contour feathers synonyms, Contour feathers pronunciation, Contour feathers translation, English dictionary definition of Contour feathers. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 2023. Fish and Wildlife Service | Before getting into the details of the contour feathers of birds, let's first get our insight into what a feather is and what outer surface functions it provides for the species of birds. those feathers that form the general covering of a bird. The form of a feather that today's birds have is said to have evolved from the ancestral dinosaur species. eagles). From Grace Jones to Madonna - why divas deserve to be difficult Contour feathers form most of the surface of the bird, streamlining it for flight and often waterproofing it. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Contour feather Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Hummingbird annotated glossary, definition - RubyThroat those feathers that form the general covering of a bird. Contour feathers often aid in streamlining. The stiff tips of the wings of a bird have primary feathers. There are usually 3-4 tertials. The streamlined shape of the feather attracts people towards the bird's wings. contour feathers the vaned feathers possessing barbules that chiefly cover the body of a bird and give it a streamlined form. Learn a new word every day. After learning about feather ornithology from this article, do check out facts on birds symbolism, and Cardinal state bird. Similarly, our nails too have keratin in them. Axillaries: feathers in the axilla ("armpit") of the bird. This process is called molting. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Feathers may be modified for insulation, flight, courtship, sun-shading, defense, and other functions. Contour feather characteristics show the uniqueness of each individual bird species. Plume Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Feathers - Clemson University Meaning and Usage. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 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. contour synonyms, contour pronunciation, contour translation, English dictionary definition of contour. In order to avoid feather deterioration, birds shed their skin and replace it with a new set of feathers at a periodic time interval. Contour feathers have a pattern of overlapping shingles in their feather design, with waterproof stiff tips exposing outwards and the fluffy bases of the feathers tucked deep inside of the bird's body. Definition. They are stiff feathers normally found on the bird's head. (ornithology) Any feather possessing a central shaft (rachis), usually with vanes composed of barbs. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contour feather. The bristle feather of a bird is seen around its eyes or mouth. 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. age structure The relative proportions of individuals of different agesusually noted for a given population. The Fascination of Hernan Diazs Trust Trusts, Theyre made of stretchy, silky-soft cotton (a blend of non-pilling modal and spandex) designed to stay dry for daily wear, and the, With a mesh upper and midsoles designed to feel like bare feet walking on sand, the compressive top material and cushioned footbed, The brand's Microcurrent Remodeling Face Technology dramatically tones, tightens and reshapes facial, The company says its AI may help speed up a process called, Several of the body-positive lingerie labels bestselling styles including its Leakproof underwear and WingWoman, The handle is also usually straight, whereas with the axe or hatchet theres some, There are eight solid colors available and some contrasting combos as well, and the rubber footbed is designed to, Designed by her mentor, Dr. Saleh, Collagen Wave uses radio frequency energy to tighten skin tissue, helping to, Preferring to make sartorial choices free of girdles or, The bed is made of premium materials and has a lush, memory foam filling that, Post the Definition of contour to Facebook, Share the Definition of contour 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. 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. These secondary feathers are the trailing edge or tips of the inner wing and tail structure. contour-feathers definition | English definition dictionary | Reverso And these contour feathers determine the external contour of the birds. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. These smooth, beautiful feathers that we see at first on birds are the contour feathers, wing feathers, and tail feathers of yellow, red, grey, blue, and all varieties of colors. Accessibility | Pennaceous Barbs: barbs with interlocking barbules that form a coherent vane. Human hair is also made of keratin. Contour feather - definition of contour feather by The Free Dictionary 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. profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background. Send us feedback about these examples. The basal portion may be downy and thus act as insulation. 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. contour (body) - feathers that line the bird's body and provide streamlining, insulation, and waterproofing.
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