Question

Rectrices feathers are arranged in bird on
A. Head
B. Tail
C. Legs
D. Wings

Answer 1

Hint: This is a part of flight feathers. The flight feathers of wings are known as remiges. The feathers in this part serve as brakes and as a rudder that controls the flight's course. Most birds have twelve rectrices feathers.

Complete Answer:
- Feathers developed from reptile scales and separated birds from all other animals. For flight, insulation and courtship displays feathers are required. Feather colours and shapes help us differentiate between bird species and, in some cases, males and females.
- Since feathers are so distinctive, their descriptions include several different anatomical and technical terms. The feathers are made up of keratin. There are different types of feathers found in birds. These are contour and flight feathers, down feathers, filoplume, semiplume, and bristle.
- The large feathers of the wing and the tail are the flight feathers. The wing's flight feathers are known collectively as the remiges. The tail flight feathers, known as rectrices, serve as brakes and as a rudder that controls the flight's course. Most birds have twelve tail feathers. These bases are covered by smaller contour feathers known as coverts. The wing is covered by several layers. Coverts cover the ear as well.

Thus, the correct answer is option B. i.e. Tail.

Note: Flight feathers are the long, rigid, asymmetrical, but symmetrical paired feathers on the wings or tail of a bird, which are called remiges on the wings, while rectrices on the tail. The tail feathers are termed tail quills or rectrices. In a pigeon there are 12 such feathers.