What is the role of feathers?

 

 
Feathers are the epidermal growth that forms distinctive outer covering or plumage in birds.
 
Feathers playa variety of roles like
(i) They help in creating airfoil shape for wings so, as to provide lift and help in flight.
(ii) Feathers helps in maintaining body temperature.
(iii) Feathers play a vital role in mating by providing secondary sex characters in both the sexes the colour and markings determine the attractiveness of mate.