rectrices
/ˈrɛktrɪsiːz
/plural noun (singular rectrix /ˈrɛktrɪks/) Ornithology
The larger feathers in a bird’s tail, used for steering in flight. Compare with remiges.I plucked the outer right rectrix (tail feather), thereby inducing the growth of a replacement....
- We also removed the central rectrix from the right side of the tail of each adult to determine feather growth rate.
- Most birds showed signs of moderate to heavy wear of the secondary coverts and rectrices.
Origin
Mid 18th century: from Latin, feminine plural of rector 'ruler' (see rector).