4 



BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 



The Speculum. A term used to indicate a patch or band on the wing (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 ^Cimerts 

 tjndor Wing Coverts 



Primaries 



— ■AxiUarsor Axillary Plvmee 



Under Surface of "WiDg. 



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 H to 24, aud iu some very few 

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



Truncate or square lad 



Pointed or cun&Ue tail 



Forked tail 



Qradvaled 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 Topogniijhy of a I'.ird.) 



