wing bar

American  

noun

1. a line of contrasting color along the coverts of a bird's wing.

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Etymology

Origin of wing bar

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wing bar

The upper plumage is glossy black, save for a white wing bar and white tips to the tail feathers.

From Birds of the Indian Hills by Douglas Dewar

Bill and eyes red; legs flesh color; under parts white, and a white wing bar.

From The Bird Book Illustrating in natural colors more than seven hundred North American birds; also several hundred photographs of their nests and eggs. by Chester A. (Chester Albert) Reed

White in the flights and under the wings must be guarded against as must also absence of ribbon or wing bar in females.

From Ducks and Geese by Harry M. Lamon

One white wing bar is a distinguishing characteristic, and a better one is the difference in color of the two mandibles; the upper one is black and the lower one yellow.

From Some Winter Days in Iowa by Frederick John Lazell

The waistcoat is brushed until it is black and glossy, the cravat becomes immaculate, and the wristband or wing bar clears up until it is pure white.

From The Log of the Sun A Chronicle of Nature's Year by William Beebe