What is the difference between Down and Feathers?

Purchasing pillows can be a bit complicated when you do not know the difference between down and feathers. Down is the type of coverage that can be found in the lower portion of birds. This will usually cover the belly portion of birds which can make them not only very fluffy but also soft. Feathers are the outer covering that can protect birds.

The feathers are usually found in the wing and back portions of the bird. Some feathers will allow birds to repel water. Feathers can also be effective in helping birds fly. Feathers are usually harder as compared to down. This explains why pillows that are filled with down are more expensive as compared to pillows that are filled with feathers.

Birds have feathers which allow them to fly, and these feathers possess a bone-like structure running along the length of the feather. This structure is called the quill, and it consists of the outer feathers of a bird such as a goose or a duck. Because they contain quills feathers are not very soft, and they are also somewhat heavy, so pillows made up of feathers are harder.

Down is also feathers of birds, but they are hidden underneath the outer feathers. Down is located on the belly of the bird, and it is very soft. These resemble tiny cotton balls with fibers outspreading from the middle of the ball to all directions. Downs are feathers of geese and ducks, but they remain tucked beneath these outer feathers, and they do not contain quills. As a result, down pillows are softer and lighter.