contour feather; quill feather
Ornithological term for the large, stiff feathers that form the outline of a bird's body, including flight feathers and tail feathers. Contrasts with down feathers (綿羽).
Contour feathers are the feathers that form the outline of a bird's body.
In this specimen, the structure of the contour feathers is clearly visible.
Compound of 大 (large) and 羽 (feather). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is used in modern ornithology.