112k views
4 votes
Why do feathers repel water?

2 Answers

1 vote

Answer:

Feathers repel water because birds pick up oil on their beaks and when they fluff their feathers later the oil is transferred onto the feathers. As water cannot penetrate through the oil coating, the feather is waterprof.

Step-by-step explanation:

User Jacmkno
by
4.1k points
6 votes

Answer: Birds pick up oil on their beaks, by rubbing against the uropygial or preen gland near the tail, and then rub it over their feathers. This makes the water unable to break through the oil.

Explanation: Hope this helps have a great day :)

User Dan Oberlam
by
4.4k points