Wing vs. Feather — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 14, 2024
A wing is a limb adapted for flight in birds and some insects, composed of muscles and covered in feathers. A feather is a lightweight, growth from a bird's skin, essential for flight, insulation, and display.
Difference Between Wing and Feather
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Wings are specialized limbs adapted for flight, found in birds and some insects. They are structured with bones, muscles, and skin, and are crucial for enabling these animals to fly, glide, or hover. The outer surface of bird wings is covered in feathers, which provide the necessary lift and aerodynamic qualities for flight. In contrast, feathers are individual growths from the skin of birds, composed of a central shaft with branching structures called barbs. Feathers play multiple roles, including flight, temperature regulation, and attracting mates through their color and pattern.
The anatomy of a wing is complex, designed to optimize for flight. It includes specific bone structures such as the humerus, radius, and ulna, along with muscles that facilitate movement and control. Feathers, on the other hand, vary in type and function: flight feathers are strong and streamlined for flying, while down feathers are soft and fluffy, providing insulation.
Wings are present not only in birds but also in bats and insects, each with unique adaptations for flight. Bird wings, however, are distinct in their reliance on feathers for flight mechanics. Feathers, exclusive to birds, are a key evolutionary adaptation, not just for flight but also for other functions like waterproofing, camouflage, and showing off during courtship displays.
The development of wings in birds involves the growth and arrangement of feathers in a precise pattern, which is genetically determined and critical for effective flight. Similarly, the growth and maintenance of feathers require nutrients and care, including preening by birds to keep them in optimal condition. Preening helps in aligning the feathers, removing parasites, and applying protective oils.
In terms of significance, wings symbolize the ability to fly, representing freedom, speed, and exploration. Feathers also hold cultural and symbolic importance, used in fashion, art, and ceremonies across various cultures for their beauty and as symbols of status and bravery.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Limb with bones, muscles, and skin, covered in feathers
Lightweight growth from bird's skin
Function
Facilitates flight, gliding, or hovering
Flight, insulation, display, waterproofing
Variability
Structured for different types of flight
Varies in size, shape, and color for different purposes
Presence in Animals
Birds, bats, insects
Exclusive to birds
Care and Maintenance
Requires overall health and strength for functionality
Requires preening for alignment and condition
Compare with Definitions
Wing
Structured to optimize for flight through aerodynamic design.
The falcon's wings are tapered for speed.
Feather
Requires care, including preening, to maintain condition.
The bird spent time preening its feathers to keep them in optimal condition.
Wing
A limb adapted for flight, composed of bones, muscles, and covered in feathers.
The eagle spread its wings wide, catching the updraft.
Feather
A growth from the skin of birds, crucial for flight and insulation.
Each feather on the peacock's tail displayed an eye-catching pattern.
Wing
Found in birds and some insects, each with unique adaptations.
The hummingbird's wings move in a figure-eight pattern for hovering.
Feather
Composed of a shaft with branching barbs, varying in function.
The owl's flight feathers are designed for silent flight.
Wing
Requires health and strength for effective use.
The bird's strong wings powered its long migratory journey.
Feather
Holds cultural and symbolic significance across various societies.
Feathers are used in ceremonies and as symbols of bravery.
Wing
Symbolizes freedom, speed, and the ability to explore.
Wings have been a symbol of freedom in many cultures.
Feather
Plays a role in temperature regulation, camouflage, and courtship.
The male bird displayed bright feathers to attract a mate.
Wing
A wing is a type of fin that produces lift while moving through air or some other fluid. Accordingly, wings have streamlined cross-sections that are subject to aerodynamic forces and act as airfoils.
Feather
Feathers are epidermal growths that form a distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on dinosaurs, both avian (bird) and some non-avian (non-bird) and possibly other archosauromorphs. They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates and a premier example of a complex evolutionary novelty.
Wing
One of a pair of movable appendages used for flying, as the feather-covered modified forelimb of a bird or the skin-covered modified forelimb of a bat or pterosaur.
Feather
One of the light, flat structures growing from the skin of birds, consisting of numerous slender, closely arranged parallel barbs forming a vane on either side of a horny, tapering, partly hollow shaft.
Wing
One of the one or two pairs of membranous structures used for flying that extend from the thorax of an insect.
Feather
A feathery tuft or fringe of hair, as on the legs or tail of some dogs.
Wing
A structure or part used by an animal for gliding through the air, as the folds of skin of a flying squirrel or the enlarged pectoral fins of a flying fish.
Feather
Character, kind, or nature
Birds of a feather flock together.
Wing
Wings An outspread pair of stylized bird's wings worn as insignia by qualified pilots or air crew members.
Feather
A strip, wedge, or flange used as a strengthening part.
Wing
An airfoil whose principal function is providing lift, especially either of two such airfoils symmetrically positioned on each side of the fuselage of an aircraft.
Feather
A wedge or key that fits into a groove to make a joint.
Wing
A thin or membranous extension, as of the fruit of a maple or ash, the seed of a pine, or the branches of a winged elm.
Feather
The vane of an arrow.
Wing
One of the lateral petals of the flower of certain plants in the pea family, such as the sweet pea.
Feather
A feather-shaped flaw, as in a precious stone.
Wing
The vane of a weathervane.
Feather
The wake made by a submarine's periscope.
Wing
The sail of a ship.
Feather
The act of feathering the blade of an oar in rowing.
Wing
A folding section, as of a double door or of a movable partition.
Feather
To cover, dress, or decorate with feathers or featherlike projections.
Wing
Either of the two side projections on the back of a wing chair.
Feather
To fit (an arrow) with a feather.
Wing
A flat of theatrical scenery projecting onto the stage from the side.
Feather
To thin, reduce, or fringe the edge of (wood, for example) by cutting, shaving, or making thinner.
Wing
Chiefly British The fender of a motor vehicle.
Feather
To spread (paint, for example) thinly at the edges so as to blend with the surrounding area.
Wing
A structure that forms an extended part of or is attached to a main structure
The east wing of the school.
The children's wing of the hospital.
Feather
To shorten and taper (hair) by cutting and thinning.
Wing
Either of the unseen backstage areas on the sides of the stage of a proscenium theater.
Feather
To blur or soften the edge of (an image).
Wing
The act or manner of flying.
Feather
To apply (a brake, throttle, or other control) gently or slightly and steadily.
Wing
A means of flight or rapid movement
Fear lent wings to his feet.
Feather
To turn (an oar blade) almost horizontal as it is carried back after each stroke.
Wing
A group affiliated with or subordinate to an older or larger organization.
Feather
To alter the pitch of (a propeller) so that the chords of the blades are parallel with the line of flight.
Wing
Either of two groups with opposing views within a larger group; a faction.
Feather
To alter the pitch of (the rotor of a helicopter) while in forward flight.
Wing
A section of a party, legislature, or community holding distinct, especially dissenting, political views
The conservative wing.
Feather
To turn off (an aircraft engine) while in flight.
Wing
Either the left or right flank of an army or a naval fleet.
Feather
To grow feathers or become feathered.
Wing
An air force unit larger than a group but smaller than a numbered air force or, formerly, than a division.
Feather
To move, spread, or grow in a manner suggestive of feathers
“Steam feathered out from under the bathroom door” (Melinda Hayes).
Wing
Either of the forward positions near the sides of the playing area, especially in hockey.
Feather
To become thin or less dense at the edges
“That lipstick had feathered out in the corners of her mouth” (Erin McCarthy).
Wing
A player who plays this position.
Feather
To feather an oar.
Wing
To move swiftly through the air or on wings
Birds winging south for the winter.
Feather
To feather a propeller.
Wing
To pass over or through with wings
Birds winging the air.
Feather
A branching, hair-like structure that grows on the bodies of birds, used for flight, swimming, protection and display.
Wing
To make (one's way) through the air or on wings
Birds winging their way north.
Feather
Long hair on the lower legs of a dog or horse, especially a draft horse, notably the Clydesdale breed. Narrowly only the rear hair.
Wing
To carry or transport by flying
The plane winged the troops back home.
Feather
One of the fins or wings on the shaft of an arrow.
Wing
To furnish with wings
A mythological horse that is winged.
Feather
A longitudinal strip projecting from an object to strengthen it, or to enter a channel in another object and thereby prevent displacement sideways but permit motion lengthwise; a spline.
Wing
To feather (an arrow).
Feather
Kind; nature; species (from the proverbial phrase "birds of a feather").
Wing
To throw or propel (a ball, for example) through the air.
Feather
One of the two shims of the three-piece stone-splitting tool known as plug and feather or plug and feathers; the feathers are placed in a borehole and then a wedge is driven between them, causing the stone to split.
Wing
To strike or wound in a wing or an appendage
Winged me with a snowball.
Feather
The angular adjustment of an oar or paddle-wheel float, with reference to a horizontal axis, as it leaves or enters the water.
Wing
To furnish with side or subordinate extensions, as a building or an altarpiece.
Feather
Anything petty or trifling; a whit or jot.
Wing
To say or do (something) without preparation or forethought; improvise
Decided to wing his remarks to reporters.
Feather
Partridges and pheasants, as opposed to rabbits and hares (called fur).
Wing
An appendage of an animal's (bird, bat, insect) body that enables it to fly
The bird was flapping its wings
Feather
(rail) A junction indicator attached to a colour-light signal at an angle, which lights up, typically with four white lights in a row, when a diverging route is set up.
Wing
A fin at the side of a ray or similar fish
Feather
To cover or furnish with feathers; to fletch.
Wing
(slang) Human arm.
Feather
To adorn, as if with feathers; to fringe.
Wing
(aviation) Part of an aircraft that produces the lift for rising into the air.
I took my seat on the plane, overlooking the wing.
Feather
To arrange in the manner or appearance of feathers.
The stylist feathered my hair.
Wing
One of the large pectoral fins of a flying fish.
Feather
To rotate the oars while they are out of the water to reduce wind resistance.
Wing
One of the broad, thin, anterior lobes of the foot of a pteropod, used as an organ in swimming.
Feather
(aeronautics) To streamline the blades of an aircraft's propeller by rotating them perpendicular to the axis of the propeller when the engine is shut down so that the propeller does not windmill during flight.
After striking the bird, the pilot feathered the damaged left engine’s propeller.
Wing
(botany) Any membranaceous expansion, such as that along the sides of certain stems, or of a fruit of the kind called samara.
Feather
To finely shave or bevel an edge.
Wing
(botany) Either of the two side petals of a papilionaceous flower.
Feather
(computer graphics) To intergrade or blend the pixels of an image with those of a background or neighboring image.
Wing
A side shoot of a tree or plant; a branch growing up by the side of another.
Feather
(intransitive) Of written or printed ink: to take on a blurry appearance as a result of spreading through the receiving medium.
Wing
Passage by flying; flight.
To take wing
Feather
(transitive) To render light as a feather; to give wings to.
Wing
Limb or instrument of flight; means of flight or of rapid motion.
Feather
(transitive) To enrich; to exalt; to benefit.
Wing
A part of something that is lesser in size than the main body, such as an extension from the main building.
The west wing of the hospital
The wings of a corkscrew
Feather
(transitive) To tread, as a cockerel.
Wing
Anything that agitates the air as a wing does, or is put in winglike motion by the action of the air, such as a fan or vane for winnowing grain, the vane or sail of a windmill, etc.
Feather
To move the cue back and forth along the bridge in preparation for striking the cue ball.
Wing
A protruding piece of material on a menstrual pad to hold it in place and prevent leakage.
Feather
To accidentally touch the cue ball with the tip of the cue when taking aim.
Wing
An ornament worn on the shoulder; a small epaulet or shoulder knot.
Feather
(transitive) To touch lightly, like (or as if with) a feather.
Wing
A cosmetic effect where eyeliner curves outward and ends at a point.
Feather
(transitive) To move softly, like a feather.
Wing
A faction of a political movement. Usually implies a position apart from the mainstream center position.
Feather
One of the peculiar dermal appendages, of several kinds, belonging to birds, as contour feathers, quills, and down.
Wing
An organizational grouping in a military aviation service:
Feather
Kind; nature; species; - from the proverbial phrase, "Birds of a feather," that is, of the same species.
I am not of that feather to shake offMy friend when he must need me.
Wing
(British) A unit of command consisting of two or more squadrons and itself being a sub-unit of a group or station.
Feather
The fringe of long hair on the legs of the setter and some other dogs.
Wing
(US) A larger formation of two or more groups, which in turn control two or more squadrons.
Feather
A tuft of peculiar, long, frizzly hair on a horse.
Wing
(British) A panel of a car which encloses the wheel area, especially the front wheels.
Feather
One of the fins or wings on the shaft of an arrow.
Wing
(nautical) A platform on either side of the bridge of a vessel, normally found in pairs.
Feather
A longitudinal strip projecting as a fin from an object, to strengthen it, or to enter a channel in another object and thereby prevent displacement sidwise but permit motion lengthwise; a spline.
Wing
(nautical) That part of the hold or orlop of a vessel which is nearest the sides. In a fleet, one of the extremities when the ships are drawn up in line, or when forming the two sides of a triangle.
Feather
A thin wedge driven between the two semicylindrical parts of a divided plug in a hole bored in a stone, to rend the stone.
Wing
(sports) A position in several field games on either side of the field.
Smith started the game in the centre of midfield, but moved to the wing after 30 minutes.
Feather
The angular adjustment of an oar or paddle-wheel float, with reference to a horizontal axis, as it leaves or enters the water.
Wing
(sports) A player occupying such a position, also called a winger
Feather
To furnish with a feather or feathers, as an arrow or a cap.
An eagle had the ill hap to be struck with an arrow feathered from her own wing.
Wing
A háček.
Feather
To adorn, as with feathers; to fringe.
A few birches and oaks still feathered the narrow ravines.
Wing
(theater) One of the unseen areas on the side of the stage in a theatre.
Feather
To render light as a feather; to give wings to.
The Polonian story perhaps may feather some tedious hours.
Wing
(in the plural) The insignia of a qualified pilot or aircrew member.
Feather
To enrich; to exalt; to benefit.
They stuck not to say that the king cared not to plume his nobility and people to feather himself.
Wing
A portable shelter consisting of a fabric roof on a frame, like a tent without sides.
Feather
To tread, as a cock.
Wing
On the enneagram, one of the two adjacent types to an enneatype that forms an individual's subtype of his or her enneatype.
Tom's a 4 on the enneagram, with a 3 wing.
Feather
To grow or form feathers; to become feathered; - often with out; as, the birds are feathering out.
Wing
(transitive) To injure slightly (as with a gunshot), especially in the wing or arm.
Feather
To curdle when poured into another liquid, and float about in little flakes or "feathers;" as, the cream feathers.
Wing
(intransitive) To fly.
Feather
To turn to a horizontal plane; - said of oars.
The feathering oar returns the gleam.
Stopping his sculls in the air to feather accurately.
Wing
To add a wing (extra part) to.
Feather
To have the appearance of a feather or of feathers; to be or to appear in feathery form.
A clump of ancient cedars feathering in evergreen beauty down to the ground.
The ripple feathering from her bows.
Wing
(transitive) To act or speak extemporaneously; to improvise; to wing it.
I lost all my notes I'd made, so was partially winging the meeting.
Feather
The light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
Wing
(transitive) To throw.
Feather
Turning an oar parallel to the water between pulls
Wing
(transitive) To furnish with wings.
Feather
Join tongue and groove, in carpentry
Wing
(transitive) To transport with, or as if with, wings; to bear in flight, or speedily.
Feather
Cover or fit with feathers
Wing
(transitive) To traverse by flying.
Feather
Turn the paddle; in canoeing
Wing
One of the two anterior limbs of a bird, pterodactyl, or bat. They correspond to the arms of man, and are usually modified for flight, but in the case of a few species of birds, as the ostrich, auk, etc., the wings are used only as an assistance in running or swimming.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings.
Feather
Turn the oar, while rowing
Wing
Any similar member or instrument used for the purpose of flying.
Feather
Grow feathers;
The young sparrows are fledging already
Wing
Passage by flying; flight; as, to take wing.
Light thickens; and the crowMakes wing to the rooky wood.
Wing
Motive or instrument of flight; means of flight or of rapid motion.
Fiery expedition be my wing.
Wing
Anything which agitates the air as a wing does, or which is put in winglike motion by the action of the air, as a fan or vane for winnowing grain, the vane or sail of a windmill, etc.
Wing
An ornament worn on the shoulder; a small epaulet or shoulder knot.
Wing
Any appendage resembling the wing of a bird or insect in shape or appearance.
Wing
One of two corresponding appendages attached; a sidepiece.
Wing
Any surface used primarily for supporting a flying machine in flight, especially the flat or slightly curved planes on a heavier-than-air aircraft which provide most of the lift. In fixed-wing aircraft there are usually two main wings fixed on opposite sides of the fuselage. Smaller wings are typically placed near the tail primarily for stabilization, but may be absent in certain kinds of aircraft. Helicopters usually have no fixed wings, the lift being supplied by the rotating blade.
Wing
One of two factions within an organization, as a political party, which are opposed to each other; as, right wing or left wing.
Wing
An administrative division of the air force or of a naval air group, consisting of a certain number of airplanes and the personnel associated with them.
Wing
To furnish with wings; to enable to fly, or to move with celerity.
Who heaves old ocean, and whowings the storms.
Living, to wing with mirth the weary hours.
Wing
To supply with wings or sidepieces.
The main battle, whose puissance on either sideShall be well winged with our chiefest horse.
Wing
To transport by flight; to cause to fly.
I, an old turtle,Will wing me to some withered bough.
Wing
To move through in flight; to fly through.
There's not an arrow wings the skyBut fancy turns its point to him.
Wing
To cut off the wings of or to wound in the wing; to disable a wing of; as, to wing a bird; also, [fig.] to wound the arm of a person.
Wing
A movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
Wing
One of the horizontal airfoils on either side of the fuselage of an airplane
Wing
A stage area out of sight of the audience
Wing
A unit of military aircraft
Wing
The side of military or naval formation;
They attacked the enemy's right flank
Wing
A hockey player stationed in a forward positin on either side
Wing
The wing of a fowl;
He preferred the drumsticks to the wings
Wing
A barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud;
In England they call a fender a wing
Wing
An addition that extends a main building
Wing
Travel through the air; be airborne;
Man cannot fly
Common Curiosities
Are all feathers on a bird the same?
No, birds have different types of feathers (e.g., flight, down, contour) each serving specific functions.
Can all birds fly using their wings?
Not all birds can fly; some, like ostriches and penguins, have wings but are adapted for running or swimming, respectively.
How do insect wings differ from bird wings?
Insect wings are made of chitin and lack feathers; they are also not directly attached to the skeletal system like bird wings.
Is it common for birds to fly long distances without resting?
Some bird species, like migratory birds, are capable of flying thousands of miles without substantial rest, utilizing thermal currents and energy-efficient flying techniques.
How do birds maintain their wings and feathers?
Birds maintain their wings and feathers through preening, which involves aligning feathers, cleaning, and applying protective oils.
Can feathers grow back if damaged?
Yes, feathers can regrow during the bird's molting process, when old feathers are replaced with new ones.
What determines the color of a feather?
Feather colors are determined by pigments and the structure of the feathers, which can reflect and refract light in different ways.
Why are some birds' wings more colorful than others?
Wing coloration can be influenced by factors such as gender selection, camouflage, and species identification.
Do feathers serve purposes other than flight?
Yes, feathers also provide insulation, aid in camouflage, attract mates, and can be waterproof.
What is the evolutionary significance of wings and feathers?
Wings and feathers are key evolutionary adaptations that allowed birds to occupy ecological niches by flying, leading to a wide diversity of species.
Can feathers be used for anything by humans?
Humans use feathers for various purposes, including insulation in bedding, decoration, clothing, and ceremonial objects.
How do wings contribute to a bird's balance and steering?
Wings not only provide lift but also allow for steering, braking, and balancing during flight through adjustments in wing shape and position.
Are wing and feather structures similar across all bird species?
While all birds share the basic wing and feather structures, there is immense variation in size, shape, and functionality to suit different lifestyles and environments.
How do birds use their wings for communication?
Birds may use wing gestures and displays during courtship rituals, territorial defense, and communication within flocks.
What role do feathers play in a bird's waterproofing?
Feathers, especially those coated with oils from the preen gland, repel water and protect birds from getting soaked, aiding in insulation and buoyancy.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
