CONTOUR FEATHER Definition & Meaning

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contour feather

Ornithology.

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.

contour feather

any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape

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First recorded in 1865–70

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Examples have not been reviewed.

"However, it could be a covert or a contour feather, especially since the latter are not well known in Archaeopteryx."

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Sleek contour feathers over thick down, pearls of water running over white feathers thick and curled as paper sculpture.

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He was so close she could hear his contour feathers buzz in the wind.

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These feathers occupy the position of the ultimate contour feathers.

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Most of the down and contour feathers were removed to allow the preservative to reach the skin.

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