1. relating to or located at the rictus or gape of a bird’s mouth
Usage: ornithology

Examples

• The rictal bristles help the flycatcher catch insects in mid-air.
• Ornithologists examine rictal features to identify different bird species.
• The rictal area showed distinctive coloration in the breeding male.
• Rictal bristles are particularly well-developed in insectivorous birds.
• The field guide noted the rictal markings as a key identification feature.