noun
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).
大羽は鳥の体の輪郭を作る羽根です。
Contour feathers are the feathers that form the outline of a bird's body.
この標本では大羽の構造がよくわかる。
In this specimen, the structure of the contour feathers is clearly visible.