noun
- one of the large flight feathers of a bird’s tail that are used for steering during flight
Usage: ornithology
Examples
- The hawk’s rectrices spread wide as it soared through the sky.
- Ornithologists examined the damaged rectrix to assess the bird’s flight capability.
- Each rectrix plays a crucial role in the bird’s ability to maneuver during flight.
- The peacock’s colorful rectrices create its spectacular tail display.
- Molting birds gradually replace their old rectrices with new ones.
- The researcher counted twelve rectrices on the specimen.