1. small, undeveloped feathers on young birds that have not yet opened into full plumage
Usage: ornithology; plural form

Examples

• The baby robin still had pinfeathers covering most of its body.
• Pinfeathers are often visible on young chickens before they develop their full coat.
• The veterinarian explained that pinfeathers contain blood vessels and can be sensitive.
• As the duckling grew, its pinfeathers gradually developed into waterproof adult feathers.
• Bird handlers must be careful not to damage pinfeathers during grooming.
• The nestling’s pinfeathers indicated it was still several weeks from fledging.