Feathered friendsHave you ever seen a feather

on the ground? They come from birds. Birds are the only

creatures in the world that have feathers.

Feathers are for flying

Feathers are made of tiny hair-like

strands on a stiff stick called a

quill. Birds use feathers to fly with and to keep warm.

Up, up, and awayOnce in the air, birds can keep

their wings still and glide. barn owl

Birds use their tail feathers to balance and help change direction.

Wing feathers are long and stiff to help keep the bird in the

air.

Birds fly by flapping

their wings up and

down, which lifts

them off the

ground.

Bird’s body feathers are small and soft to help keep them warm. In fact these

feathers are so cosy that we use them too.

Feathers everywhere

Soft pillows and duvets and even some winter jackets, are often filled with duck or goose

feathers.

In the past, people used long wing feathers dipped in ink to write with.