Avian Topography Reference

Overview

• Anatomical reference guide for avian topography compiled by Rose Miller.
• Outlines critical landmarks across the head, body, wings, and tail used for bird identification.

Head and Neck Regions

• Crown: Top surface of the head.
• Supercilium: Plumage stripe running above the eye.
• Lores: Region situated directly between the eye and the Beak.
• Beak: Avian bill structure.
• Cheek and Auriculars: Lateral facial regions and ear coverts.
• Throat: Forward ventral region directly below the bill.
• Nape: Back portion of the neck.

Body and Trunk Anatomy

• Mantle: Upper portion of the back plumage.
• Breast: Forward thoracic area of the Body.
• Belly: Lower abdominal ventral surface.
• Flank and sides: Lateral areas along the Body.
• Rump: Lower dorsal area directly preceding the tail.
• Vent: Region surrounding the cloaca on the lower underside.
• Feet: Lower limbs and appendages.

Wing and Tail Plumage

• Wing: Forelimb flight structure.
• Scapulars: Feather tract situated at the base of the wing/shoulder.
• Primaries: Outer flight feathers.
• Secondaries: Inner flight feathers along the trailing wing edge.
• ταίι: Main tail feather assembly.
• uppertail Coverts: Feathers overlying the upper base of the tail.
• undertail coverts: Feathers lining the lower underside of the tail base.