All About Bird Wings and Flight Feathers

It’s easy to marvel at the magic of a bird in flight, but understanding how it all works makes the process even more incredible. Here, we’ll explain how a typical bird wing functions, as well as explore the different types of bird wings and flight feathers you might spot on the visitors at your feeders and in your trees.

Psst — you won’t believe how quickly a hummingbird flaps its wings.

Different Types of Bird Wings

Form meets function in these four basic bird wing shapes, which allow for different types of flight.

Elliptical Bird Wings

Courtesy Francis Hoefer

These round, compact wings, commonly found on songbirds, are useful for quick takeoffs and hairpin maneuvering.

Find out how bird feet work.

Passive Soaring Bird Wings

Courtesy Clifford Farrell

Most hawks and eagles have passive soaring wings. The long primary and secondary feathers associated with this wing shape make slow gliding easier.

Learn about 6 bird beak types and how birds use them to eat.

Active Soaring Bird Wings

Courtesy Hiram Lenwood

Active soaring wings typically appear on gulls and seabirds. They tend to sport long, narrow wings that catch breezes.

Bird senses: Can birds smell or taste?

High Speed Bird Wings

Courtesy Attila JANDI/Shutterstock

You’ll find high-speed wings on fast birds, like swifts and terns. They have thin wings that aren’t quite as lengthy as those of soaring birds.

Different Types of Flight Feathers

The types of wings birds have might differ, but bird wing tails and feathers serve similar purposes. Below, we break down five types of flight feathers, their location on the bird and how they help the flier stay (or in some cases, stop!) soaring.

Keneva Photography/Shutterstock

• The leading edge, located at the upper edge of the wing, cuts through wind and lets the airflow travel on both sides of the wing.
• Coverts include multiple rows of feathers both above and below. The upperside feathers often feature wing bars that make birds easier to identify.
• Primaries are the long outer feathers located at the bottom edges of the bird’s wing, and they propel the bird forward and help it steer.
• Secondaries are the inner flight feathers at the bottom of the wing, located closer to the bird’s body, and they help with lift and soaring.
• Tail feathers are multipurpose tools! They are used for lift, steering, balancing and braking.

Next, learn about how birds fly and more commonly asked questions about birds.