filoplumes
/ˈfɪləˌplumz/
noun
- Small, thin, hair-like feathers on birds that are often used for sensing touch or vibration.
- During preening, the bird uses its beak to smooth its filoplumes.
- Scientists study filoplumes to understand how birds sense their environment.
- The bird's filoplumes help it feel when its other feathers are out of place.