The anatomy of a gull's wing - confused

[Deb London]

Help with the following would be greatly appreciated.

On the left is a diagram of a bird's wing, on the right a picture of gull's wing that I've attempted to annotate after studying this for half the evening.



Have I got anything right? Where are the secondaries, or are they not visible? What is the area that I've labelled B.

Thanks in advance.

[RoyW]

Your labelling looks correct, you just haven't marked the rear edges of the coverts properly - the lines should turn upwards to meet the lower edge of the scapulars (the line marking the "inner coverts" has over shot somewhat and gone into the median coverts).
The area that you have marked 'B' is the greater coverts that will be closest to the body on the open wing, and 'A' is the tertials (which I'm guessing that you know as you didn't ask for that).

The secondaries will typically be hidden by the greater coverts and tertials when the wing is folded.

Take a look at this immature Lesser Black-backed Gull from the WAB Gallery:

The medium coverts have been replaced by grey adult type ones, so they contrast with the juvenile inner/lesser coverts and greater coverts. The greater coverts are also very worn - so you can just about make out what appears to be the secondaries underneath.

[Jason Green]

Good-going Debs, I've never considered a bird's wing like that or how all those parts show when collapsed so I've learned something there.

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Good-going Debs, I've never considered a bird's wing like that or how all those parts show when collapsed so I've learned something there.

You're more used to insects Jason - but it's the same principle whatever it is you are trying to identify:
When the identifications are difficult, and require specific features to be examined, you need to be able to correctly identify exactly which bit you are meant to be looking at!

[Deb London]

Thanks very much Roy, I will try to get that curve right. Then, maybe, I will print a small copy of that diagram for my field book.

Thanks Jason.

[Anomalous]

Compare your diagram to this one...should make you feel pleased about what you ended up with!

about remiges & scapular coverts...

Ian

[Deb London]

Ahh, thank you Ian. My diagram wasn't too bad, was it? And at least by struggling I will remember more, hopefully.

[wint]

Don't know if it helps but I find ies meulmeester's topopgraphy page to be useful.

[Deb London]

Thanks wint, that's a good diagram.