undertail

Feathers beneath tail

The undertail is the area beneath a bird's tail, including the feathers covering the underside near the base of the tail.

Birders note undertail coloring and patterns for identification: The yellow-rumped warbler shows distinctive white patches on its undertail.

Also called undertail coverts in technical ornithology.

anatomy

coccyx

Fused vertebrae forming tail

tailboneFused vertebrae at spine's base
sacrumFused vertebrae above tailbone
pelvisBony basin at waist

ischium · caudal · vertebrae · posterior · gluteal · perineal · musculature · ligaments · tendons

concealment

hidden

Kept out of sight

camouflageConcealment through visual blending
concealedMade invisible deliberately
obscuredMade hard to perceive

tucked · covert · cryptic · unseen · sheltered · protected · underside

ornithology

coverts

Concealing undergrowth or plumage

feathersBird's lightweight covering
plumageBird's complete feather coat
rumpRear body portion

vent · cloaca · birding · identification · markings · coloration · pattern · barring · streaking · spotting

Opposites

bird anatomy position (vertical)

undertailtail

Rear animal appendage

bird anatomy position (body region)

undertailunderwing

Lower wing of insect

upperparts · crown · breast · throat · rump

Family

under, tail, tails, tailed, tailing, tailless

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G