The contour feathers interlock and overlap with tiny barbs (actually called barbules), forming a water and windproof protective outer layer on their bodies.

In many birds, some or all of the feathers lack the barbules or the hooks, and the plumage has a loose, hairlike appearance. …in turn, have branches, the barbules. The barbules on the distal …

A typical vaned feather features a main shaft, called the rachis. Fused to the rachis are a series of branches, or barbs; the barbs themselves are also branched and form the barbules. These …

Have you ever seen a bird smoothing feathers with its beak? This common behavior is called preening. When they preen, birds guide the barbules on their feathers into place so they fully …

BARBULE definition: a small barb. See examples of barbule used in a sentence.

Any of the minute filaments forming a row on each side of the barb of a feather. In a contour feather adjacent barbules interlock by means of hooks (barbicels) and grooves, forming a firm …

2 meanings: 1. a very small barb 2. ornithology any of the minute hairs that project from a barb and in some feathers interlock.... Click for more definitions.

Define barbules. barbules synonyms, barbules pronunciation, barbules translation, English dictionary definition of barbules. n. Zoology A small barb or pointed projection, especially one …

barbule Any of the minute filaments forming a row on each side of the barb of a feather. In a contour feather adjacent barbules interlock by means of hooks (barbicels) and grooves, …

Barbule definition: Any of the threadlike parts fringing each side of the barb of a feather.