Feather
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Feathers are the things which cover birds. Feathers help keep birds warm. Feathers also protect them from injury. In most kinds of birds, feathers help them to fly.
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[edit] Vaned feathers
The feathers which cover the outside of a bird are called vaned feathers. A vaned feather has a stiff center, with soft barbs on the side, which seem like hairs. The center is called a quill.
[edit] Down feathers
Young birds have small feathers, called down, which keep them warm, but can not be used for flying. Down is very soft. Adult birds have down, but also have vaned feathers on top of the down.
[edit] Moulting
Birds lose their feathers at certain times. This is called moulting. By moulting, a bird can replace old feathers with new ones. Many birds moult once every year.
[edit] Color
Feathers give birds color. Color is used to identify kinds of birds. It is also used by male birds to attract female birds.
[edit] Use by people
People use feathers for many purposes. In the past, quills were commonly used as pens, and colorful feathers were worn on hats. Many pillows, cushions, mattresses, coats, and quilts are stuffed with down. Feathers are also used by people of many tribes for decoration.
