Flight feather#Remiges

As secondaries ( remiges secundarii ) the large feathers on the arm of the bird's wing are called. They are fixed to the ulna, forming the support surface of the wing. The number of secondaries depends on the length of the ulna. In this glider is extended. So the number of secondaries of six ranges at the hummingbirds up to 40 albatrosses. Passerines generally have nine, rarely ten secondaries.

Numbering is generally of the wrist ( Carpalgelenk ) inward, ie from distal (distal) to the proximal ( proximal ) region.

The inner three (for passerines ) or five ( in waders ) secondaries are usually shaped differently and are above the folded wings of a bird to protect it. They are also referred to as a shield springs. The different shape and color are clearly visible in the adjacent images.

Gallery

Shield spring gray heron.

Comparison of a manual and secondaries on the example buzzard.

• Spring