Definition

Noun: A primary feather is one of the long, stiff, asymmetrical flight feathers located on the outermost segment (the manus or "hand") of a bird's wing. These are the main feathers responsible for providing thrust and forward propulsion during flight.

Usage

The term primary feather is used specifically in ornithology (the study of birds) and general descriptions of avian anatomy and flight mechanics. It refers to an individual feather within the set of primaries.

Examples: * The bird was preening its primary feather. * A damaged primary feather can significantly impair a bird's ability to fly. * The falcon's outermost primary feather is notably tapered.

Advanced Usage

• Molt sequence: Bird watchers often note the order in which primary feathers are shed and regrown during molt, as it can help in aging birds.
• Taxonomic identification: The shape, color, or pattern of the primary feathers is often a key characteristic for identifying bird species.

Variants and Related Words

• Primary (noun): Often used as a shortened, informal form of "primary feather."
  • The bird lost two primaries on its left wing.
• Flight feather: A broader category that includes both primary and secondary feathers.
• Remige: The technical term for a flight feather.
• Secondary feather: The flight feathers attached to the bird's forearm (ulna), located closer to the body and primarily responsible for lift.

Synonyms

• Primary
• Flight feather (in a general sense, though this is a broader term)
• Remige (specialized, scientific synonym)

Related Phrases

• Primary projection: A birding term describing the length of the primary feathers that extend beyond the tertial feathers on a perched bird, useful for identification.
• Primary coverts: The smaller feathers that cover the base of the primary feathers.

Noun

1. one of the main flight feathers projecting along the outer edge of a bird's wing