Pet Birds

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Pet Birds

Primary Flight Feathers

By Alyson Burgess, About.com

The primary flight feathers, in many species, are the first 10 feathers on the tips of the wings.

(c) 2006 Alyson Burgess licensed to About.com, Inc.
Definition: The primary flight feathers are the longest 10 feathers on each of a bird's wings, in the majority of species. These feathers act as a sort of propeller for birds in flight.

The primary flight feathers are the feathers that are normally trimmed when you clip a pet bird's wings. This keeps the bird from being able to gain height when it attempts to fly.

Explore Pet Birds

About.com Special Features

Green Your Clean

Rid your home of grime and harsh chemicals by cleaning with these natural items. More >

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Every home is different, but this basic cleaning supply list is a good starting point. More >

Pet Birds

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Pet Birds
  4. Glossary of Avian Terms
  5. P
  6. Primary Flight Feathers -- Bird Flight Feathers

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.