Feather

A feather is one of the epidermal growths that forms the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on a bird. They are the outstanding characteristic that distinguishes the Class Aves from all other living groups. Other Theropoda also had feathers (see Feathered dinosaurs).

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Feathers are the most complicated integumentary structure among the vertebrates. Like hair, nails and scales, feathers are integumentary appendages; skin organs that form by controlled proliferation of cells in the epidermis, or outer skin layer, that produce keratin proteins. They insulate birds from water and cold temperatures and provide colour which is sometimes used as camouflage against predators and sometimes as a means of visual communication. Although individual feathers are very light, a bird's plumage weighs two or three times more than its skeleton.

Aves: REDIRECT bird...

Feathered dinosaurs: Feathered dinosaurs are regarded by many paleontologists as the "missing link" between birds and dinosaurs — but this view is probably too simplistic. It was already well known that ancient birds such as Archaeopteryx had many saurian characteristics, such as teeth, and claws on their fingers...

Integument: An integument is an outer protective covering such as the feathers or skin of an animal or rind or shell....

Feather related Images and Photos (experimental)

Feather	Feather on a Block	The Feather Dancer	Feline Feather Mask
Seraphic Feather II	Seraphic Feather II	Peacock Feather Trio	The Black Feather Hat 1910
Winged Earth Feather Mask	Winged Angel Feather Mask	Wakefield Feather and Flame	Black Mystery Feather Mask