The fifth secondary remex (numbered inwards from the carpal joint) was formerly thought to be absent in some species, but the modern view of this diastataxy is that there is a gap between the fourth and fifth secondaries. Secondary feathers are attached to the ulna. There are typically 11 primaries attached to the manus (six attached to the metacarpus and five to the phalanges), but the outermost primary, called the remicle, is often rudimentary or absent certain birds, notably the flamingos, grebes, and storks, have seven primaries attached to the metacarpus and 12 in all. The remiges are divided into primary and secondary feathers based on their position along the wing. Even flightless birds still retain flight feathers, though sometimes in radically modified forms. Tiny serrations on the leading edge of their remiges help owls to fly silently (and therefore hunt more successfully), while the extra-stiff rectrices of woodpeckers help them to brace against tree trunks as they hammer on them. In some species, these feathers have developed into long showy plumes used in visual courtship displays, while in others they create a sound during display flights. The flight feathers of some birds perform additional functions, generally associated with territorial displays, courtship rituals or feeding methods. The primary function of the flight feathers is to aid in the generation of both thrust and lift, thereby enabling flight. Red kite ( Milvus milvus) in flight, showing remiges and rectricesįlight feathers ( Pennae volatus) are the long, stiff, asymmetrically shaped, but symmetrically paired pennaceous feathers on the wings or tail of a bird those on the wings are called remiges ( / ˈ r ɛ m ɪ dʒ iː z/), singular remex ( / ˈ r iː m ɛ k s/), while those on the tail are called rectrices ( / r ɛ k ˈ t r aɪ s iː s/), singular rectrix ( / ˈ r ɛ k t r ɪ k s/). Long, stiff, feathers on the wings or tail of a bird that aid in the generation of lift and thrust
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