Feathers Quiz - solution

Identify the feathers below and describe how they help a raptor to survive.

Down Feather

Type of feather: down feather

Why is this feather important? This feather is fluffy, located close to the body, under the contour feathers and help insulate and keep a bird warm

Counter Feather

Type of feather: contour feather

Why is this feather important? These types of feathers cover the wings, body, and tail and streamline a bird to help give it a smooth, sleek shape. They are stiff, flexible, and very strong yet lightweight.

Flight Feather

Type of feather: flight feather

Why is this feather important? These are special contour feathers located on the wings, called flight feathers. They are shaped to fan the air, creating "lift" to help a bird get off the ground, move about in the air, and land safely.

Quiz created by BLM Snake River Birds of Prey NCA staff, 1997. Boise, ID. The illustration of quiz © The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Ornithology by M. Brooke and T. Birkhead, 1991. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY. Reproduced with permission.