Bird feathers are derivatives of
The avian epidermis is usually thin in areas covered by feathers. Feathers are the derivatives of stratum corneum (the flattened, horny outermost layer made up of stratified and keratinized epidermis).
The corneous layer is much thinner, soft and loosely attached in birds than in reptiles, for muscles to achieve maximum freedom of movement for flight. Feather also protect and insulate the body and are seasonally shed and replaced.