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Bird topography

Rump

The lower back, just above the base of the tail.

A pale rump seen in flight is a classic field mark for harriers, wheatears and many sandpipers.

Bird topography

Related terms

Malar stripe A dark stripe running from the base of the bill down the side of the throat.

Coverts Small feathers that overlap the bases of the flight and tail feathers, on both upper and under surfaces.

Scapulars Feathers on the "shoulder" that cover the join between wing and body on a perched bird.

Lores The area between the eye and the base of the bill.

Culmen The upper ridge of the bill from its tip to where the feathers begin.

Mantle The upper back, between the nape and the scapulars.

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