BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 



The Speculum. A term used to indicate a patch or band on the \ving (usually of 

 different color from the rest of the feathers), formed by the terminal portion 

 of the secondaries, very noticeable in the Ducks. (See illustration, Topography 

 of a Duck, page 8.) 



Under Primary f Coverts 

 Under Wing Coverts 



Jarpitt T _- 



Axillary Plumes 



Under Surface of Wing. 



The Axillary Plumes, or Axillars, are an important aid in the identification of 

 many species ; these are several rather elongated feathers growing from the arm- 

 pit (axilla') , at the junction of the wing and body. 



THE TAIL. 



The Rectices, or Tail Feathers, proper, number from 8 to 24, and in some very few 

 cases even more. By far the greater number of birds, however, have 12 rectices. 



Truncate or square tall 



Pointed or cuneate tail 



Forked tail 



Graduated tail 



The small feathers overlapping the rectices are called upper tail coverts, while 

 those below are the under tail coverts or crissum. (For illustration of tail 

 coverts and crissum, see Topography of a Bird.) 



