morphology of a bird [1]

outer toe

Fourth articulated bone of the foot, usually consisting of four phalanges.

thigh

Long bone fused to the fibula between the femur and the tarsus.

upper tail covert

Short feather covering the upper portion of the base of the tail; it maintains the body’s internal temperature.

under tail covert

Short feather covering the lower portion of the base of the tail; it maintains the body’s internal temperature.

tail feather

Long stiff tail feather carried on the rump; it controls direction during flight.

rump

Posterior portion of the body formed by the last vertebrae and bearing the tail feathers.

abdomen

Ventral portion of the body between the breast and the tail.

claw

Pointy hook-shaped structure attached to the terminal end of the toes; it allows the bird to anchor itself.

hind toe

First articulated toe of the foot, usually made of a single phalange and pointing toward the back; it is also called the thumb.

middle toe

Third articulated toe of the foot; it is long and usually consists of three phalanges.

inner toe

Second articulated toe of the foot, usually consisting of two phalanges.

tarsus

Portion of the limb formed of long bones and covered in scales; it connects the tibia to the toes.

flank

Lateral portion of the body between the wing and the abdomen.

back

Upper posterior portion of the body between the head and the tail.

wing

Flight appendage made of hollow bones and feathers, and comprising the forelimb; in some species, it is not adapted for flight.

breast

Anterior portion of the body between the throat and the abdomen bearing the wings.

wing covert

Short feather covering the upper portion of the base of the wing; it maintains internal body temperature.

throat

Anterior lateral portion of the neck between the chin and the breast.

chin

Portion of the head below the mandible.

nape

Posterior portion of the neck below the head.

bill

Corneous formation covering toothless jaws; the bird uses it to feed.