Which of the following is another name for body plumage?

Prepare for the Ducks Unlimited Ecology Certification. Study ecology and conservation with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Body plumage refers to the feathers that cover most of a bird's body and serve various functions, such as insulation and protection. Contour plumage is the correct term for these feathers. They include the feathers that give a bird its shape and help with streamlining during flight, as well as providing a layer of insulation against the elements.

Flight feathers are specifically the larger, specialized feathers located on the wings and tail, which are vital for flight but do not cover the body in the same way. Down feathers are soft, fluffy feathers found underneath the contour feathers, primarily serving as insulation, but they do not contribute to the bird's external shape. Coverts are smaller feathers that cover the bases of the flight feathers and contour feathers but are not synonymous with body plumage itself.

Thus, contour plumage represents the correct terminology for body plumage, highlighting its role in the overall feather structure and function.

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