Meaning of spread tail | Babel Free

Definitions

The tail of a bird (or likeness thereof) when the tailfeathers are held tautly outward in a fan-like arrangement.

Equivalents

Examples

“Moreover, for slight deflections of the vane from the wind direction a spread tail presents a greater extent of surface to the wind than a straight-tail vane of the same dimensions.”

“Now, as we understand all this the Brahma tail most admired is the full spread tail that almost forms a half circle to build out the saddle and make it possible for the saddle to make the concave sweep to the coverts.”

“There is evidence which seems to show that a spread tail is more aggressive than a folded one and that cocking the tail up is more aggressive than pointing the tail downwards.”

“Birds with long forked tails, such as some swifts, swallows, terns, frigate birds, and the fork-tailed falcon (Elanoides furcatus), use the spread tail as a long flap on each side to help deflect air over the main wing surface and keep the flow attached at higher angles of attack than otherwise would be possible.”

CEFR level