Bird Word: Axillaries
- Axillaries: feathers that cover the underside of the wing in the region of the Ã¢â‚¬ËœarmpitÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ of the bird, that is, where the wing joins the body. In some species it is distinctly coloured.
The fact that some species of birds have distinctive coloured axillaries – feathers under the wings (or their ‘armpits’) – is a diagnostic feature. In this area we have Musk and Purple Crowned Lorikeets. They are very hard to identify as they fly bullet-like from tree to tree looking for food.
I think I have the slight difference in their calls nailed, but the distinctive red ‘armpit’ patch tells me it is a Purple Crowned Lorikeet, and the absence of this colour indicates a Musk Lorikeet.
For more in this series of articles check out the Glossary of Bird Words here.