morphology of a bird [1]
outer toe 
Fourth articulated bone of the foot, usually consisting of four phalanges.
thigh 
Long bone fused to the fibula between the femur and the tarsus.
upper tail covert 
Short feather covering the upper portion of the base of the tail; it maintains the body’s internal temperature.
under tail covert 
Short feather covering the lower portion of the base of the tail; it maintains the body’s internal temperature.
tail feather 
Long stiff tail feather carried on the rump; it controls direction during flight.
rump 
Posterior portion of the body formed by the last vertebrae and bearing the tail feathers.
abdomen 
Ventral portion of the body between the breast and the tail.
claw 
Pointy hook-shaped structure attached to the terminal end of the toes; it allows the bird to anchor itself.
hind toe 
First articulated toe of the foot, usually made of a single phalange and pointing toward the back; it is also called the thumb.
middle toe 
Third articulated toe of the foot; it is long and usually consists of three phalanges.
inner toe 
Second articulated toe of the foot, usually consisting of two phalanges.
tarsus 
Portion of the limb formed of long bones and covered in scales; it connects the tibia to the toes.
flank 
Lateral portion of the body between the wing and the abdomen.
back 
Upper posterior portion of the body between the head and the tail.
wing 
Flight appendage made of hollow bones and feathers, and comprising the forelimb; in some species, it is not adapted for flight.
breast 
Anterior portion of the body between the throat and the abdomen bearing the wings.
wing covert 
Short feather covering the upper portion of the base of the wing; it maintains internal body temperature.
throat 
Anterior lateral portion of the neck between the chin and the breast.
chin 
Portion of the head below the mandible.
nape 
Posterior portion of the neck below the head.
bill 
Corneous formation covering toothless jaws; the bird uses it to feed.