vortails

Vortails are a type of tail feather found in birds of prey, particularly in the family Accipitridae, which includes eagles, hawks, and kites. The term "vortail" is derived from the French word "vorte," meaning "whirl" or "vortex," which refers to the swirling air currents created by the bird's flight. Vortails are unique because they are not used for balance or steering during flight, unlike the tail feathers of other birds.

Instead, vortails play a crucial role in the bird's hunting strategy. They are typically long and narrow, with a distinctive shape that allows them to create and manipulate vortices. When a bird of prey dives down to catch prey, it can create a vortex of air beneath its wings. By adjusting the position of its vortails, the bird can control the strength and direction of this vortex, which can help it to slow down its descent, hover, or even reverse its direction mid-flight. This ability to manipulate air currents is known as dynamic soaring.

Vortails are also used for display purposes. Many birds of prey, particularly males, use their vortails to create a distinctive "tail-wagging" motion during courtship displays. This behavior is thought to be a way of attracting mates and establishing dominance within the flock.

The specific shape and size of vortails can vary between species, and they are often used as a characteristic feature in bird identification. For example, the red-tailed hawk has a distinctive red patch on the underside of its vortails, which is a key identifying feature for this species.