What are beam feathers of a hawk also known as?

The beam feathers of a hawk are also known as primaries. These feathers are the long flight feathers located on the outer part of the wing and are vital for a bird's ability to fly. Primaries play a crucial role during takeoff, flight, and landing, providing lift and thrust. They are attached to the ulna bone of the wing and are essential for maneuverability, allowing a hawk to dive and turn with great agility while hunting.

Understanding the function and placement of these feathers can help identify them among the other types of wing feathers. For instance, coverts are smaller feathers that cover the bases of the primary feathers, while secondaries are located closer to the body and provide additional lift during flight. Tertials are the feathers situated even closer to the bird’s body and aid in the shape and function of the wing as well. Knowing the different feather categories allows falconers and bird enthusiasts to better comprehend a hawk’s anatomy and its implications for flight performance.