powder down

noun

1. modified down feathers that continually crumble at the tips, producing a fine powder that forms a bloom on the plumage of certain birds, as pigeons and herons.

Example Sentences

He laughed and shouted heartily at the contrivance, and hurled the victim of their wasted powder down among them.

From Project Gutenberg

Hind toe elevated above plane of others; no powder down patches; bill not hooked at tip.

From Project Gutenberg

Powder-down feathers are degenerate down-feathers which appear to secrete a dry, waxy kind of powder.

From Project Gutenberg

There are several different kinds of feathers—contour feathers, semiplumes, down-feathers, filoplumes and powder-down.

From Project Gutenberg

The powder-down patches of the oil bird are upon each side of the rump.

From Project Gutenberg