Three Types of Bird Feathers

Flight Feathers

• "Flight" feathers gain their name by helping birds fly and maneuver while in the air. These feathers are found on the bird's wings and tail. Some pet owners, with the aid of a veterinarian, clip their pet bird's primary flight feathers to keep them from flying too far and escaping.

Contour Feathers

• "Contour" feathers are the outermost body covering of the bird and serve several purposes. A contour feather has a softer base called a "down," and gives the bird much of its shape and color. During rainy seasons, contour feathers help protect the bird from becoming wet by allowing rainwater to slide smoothly away. Contour feathers are attached to a set of muscles, which the bird uses to align or arrange other feathers as necessary to keep it comfortable.

Down Feathers

• "Down" feather are the softest of all types of feathers. Unlike contour and flight feathers, down feathers don't have a distinct shaft. The sole responsibility of these feathers is to keep the bird warm. They lie close to the bird's skin and, therefore, are not easily visible at a glance. Some down feathers become powdery at the tips and are known as "powder downs." Because powder downs are water-repellent, certain birds, such as the heron and pigeon, spread them all over their body to keep dry. Powder downs can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Ectoparasites

• Some parasites hide among feathers, feeding on a bird's blood. Most of these parasites are insects and arachnids, and can cause serious health problems to birds. Irritation may force the bird to scratch parts of its body, destroying its own feathers in the process. Without properly aligned feathers, the bird becomes more sensitive to conditions in the weather. Scratching also creates skin lacerations. Lacerations and bite marks from bugs make it easier for pathogenic microorganisms to enter the body.