Down feathers are soft fluffy feathers found under the contour feathers and are found on most parts of the body. They have the shaft shorter than the longest barbs. These feathers add insulation and help keep the bird warm and dry. A special kind of down, called powder down is found scattered among the other feathers on the body. These fray at the tips of the barbs, producing a dry dust which helps the feathers repel water when it rains.