wing bar
Bird identification stripe
A wing bar is a visible stripe or band across a bird's wing, typically formed by contrasting feather tips.
Birders use wing bars as field marks to distinguish species: Look for the two white wing bars on the mockingbird.
Some species have single bars, others have double bars, and the presence or absence helps with identification.
Contrasting linear marking
- markingsIdentifying visual features
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
- birderOne who spots species
field guide · binoculars · diagnostic · distinctive · characteristic · observation · watching · coloration
Bird's lightweight covering
- covertsConcealing undergrowth or plumage
- speculumMedical opening device
- secondariesLesser or auxiliary things
- primariesIntraparty nomination contests
molting · preening · pigmentation · melanins · carotenoids · iridescence · banding
stripe
Contrasting linear marking
birder · field guide · binoculars · diagnostic · distinctive · characteristic · observation · watching · coloration · variation
feathers
Bird's lightweight covering
- covertsConcealing undergrowth or plumage
- speculumMedical opening device
- secondariesLesser or auxiliary things
primaries · molting · preening · pigmentation · melanins · carotenoids · iridescence · banding