Secondary feathers

Definition

Secondary feathers are the flight feathers located on the inner part of a bird's wing, attached to the ulna. They play a crucial role in providing lift and aiding in smooth, controlled flight.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary feathers are shorter and more numerous than primary feathers.
2. These feathers help maintain stability and control during flight.
3. They are pivotal for birds that require strong gliding capabilities, like hawks and eagles.
4. Secondary feathers grow from the ulna bone in the bird’s wing.
5. Molting of secondary feathers can affect a bird's ability to fly efficiently.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of secondary feathers in birds?
• From which bone do secondary feathers grow?
• How do secondary feathers differ from primary feathers in terms of structure and function?

Related terms

Primary Feathers: The longer flight feathers located at the outer part of a bird's wing, essential for propulsion and maneuverability

Ulna: The bone in a bird’s wing to which secondary feathers are attached

Molting: The process by which birds shed old feathers to make way for new growth