Pronunciation: [bˈɒdi fˈɛðə] (IPA) 
The spelling of "body feather" follows the rules of English phonetics. The word is pronounced as /ˈbɒdi ˈfɛðə/, with stress on the first syllable of both words. The "o" in "body" is pronounced as in "hot," while the "e" in "feather" is pronounced as in "dress." The "th" in "feather" is pronounced as in "think." Together, the word refers to a feather that grows on a bird's body, as opposed to one on its wings or tail.
Body feather refers to a type of feather found on the body of a bird, as opposed to the wings or tail. These feathers are centrally located and provide essential functions for the bird, such as insulation, protection, and aiding in locomotion. They are generally larger and softer compared to other types of feathers, which makes them better suited for these purposes.
One important role of body feathers is insulation. They help to maintain the bird's body temperature by trapping air close to the skin, creating a layer of insulation. This is particularly crucial for birds that inhabit cold environments, as body feathers help to retain heat and prevent the bird from losing body warmth.
Another function of body feathers is protection. They act as a shield against environmental elements such as wind, rain, and direct sunlight, safeguarding the bird's delicate skin from potential harm. Additionally, body feathers can also provide camouflage, helping the bird blend into its surroundings, thus increasing its chances of survival and avoiding predators.
Moreover, body feathers play a significant role in enabling flight. They aid in providing lift and maneuverability during flight by creating streamlined surfaces and reducing air resistance. These feathers are often responsible for generating the necessary thrust for the bird to take off or change direction while in flight.
In summary, body feathers are the feathers covering a bird's body, fulfilling essential functions such as insulation, protection, and facilitating flight.
The word "body feather" is a straightforward combination of the words "body" and "feather".
The term "body" has its roots in the Old English word "bodig" or "bodigian", which referred to the physical structure of a living being. It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*budagaz" and is related to the Old High German "butag" and Old Norse "bolli". Ultimately, it has Indo-European origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word "*bʰudʰnós", meaning "trunk" or "torso".
On the other hand, the word "feather" can be traced back to the Old English word "feþer" or "fether". It is related to the Old High German "fedara" and the Dutch "veer".
