They're good for insulation, mostly. Ah, but I've seen a friend use it to help iron out his underwear. [/so helpful, amirite]

I think I know that bird -- something that starts with an 'f', at any rate. It's a little small, but most creatures here are, before they evolve, and they're all surprisingly strong. Riding on it might not work, but it could probably pull along a hot-air balloon relatively easily.