Scapulars

Scapulars arise from the shoulder region and lie between the back and the folded wing when a bird is perched, creating a smooth body contour. In many shorebirds and waterfowl they are prominently patterned — the scapular pattern is a primary identification feature in species such as sandpipers and pochards. Scapulars are replaced in the post-breeding molt and their condition helps age birds in the field during autumn.