What are feathered animals?

"Feathered animals" is a bit of a broad term. While it's true that birds are the only animals with feathers, we can also talk about other animals in relation to feathers. Here's a breakdown:

Birds:

* Birds are the only animals that have true feathers. Feathers are modified scales, evolved specifically for flight, insulation, display, and other functions.

* There are over 10,000 species of birds, ranging from tiny hummingbirds to giant ostriches.

Other Animals with Feathers:

* Dinosaurs: Some dinosaurs had feathers. These were not the same as modern bird feathers, but they served similar functions, like insulation and display.

* Archaeopteryx: This extinct creature is considered a transitional fossil, showing similarities to both dinosaurs and birds. It had feathers, but its wings were not as well-developed as modern birds.

Using the term "feathered animal" broadly:

* Sometimes people might use "feathered animal" to refer to any animal covered in some sort of hair-like or feather-like structure. This could include animals with fur, scales, or even certain insects.

In summary:

When you hear "feathered animal," it's usually referring to birds. However, it's important to remember that other animals, like dinosaurs and extinct bird ancestors, also possessed feathers.