Question

Delicate hair-like feathers which remains sparsely distributed over the body are

• A. Coverts
• B. Filoplumes
• C. Plumules
• D. Remiges

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Filoplumes

From the variable form, function, location and function, feathers in pigeon are of following types.

Quills or Flight feathers: Theses are strong and possess a central axis or main stem, quill or calamus and distal expanded portion called vexillum or vanae.
Types of Quills: These are three types.

Remiges: Flight feathers of wings.

Rectrices: Rectrices or tail quills are arranged in a semi-circle fan like manner.

Coverts: There are two sets of coverts.

Contour feather: These feather constitute the general covering of the body.

Filoplumes: Pin feathers or hair feathers). These are small, delicate, hair like feathers remain sparsely distributed all over the body.

Plumules: These feathers are very small, soft and wooly which are without rachis or shaft. The barbs are long, flexible with short barbules.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.