Wing coverts
The small feathers which cover the bases of the primary, secondary and tertiary feathers. They are also called 'tetrices' (singular 'tetrix') and are present on both the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, forming the 'upper wing coverts' and 'under wing coverts' (or 'wing lining') respectively. These feathers are arranged in four bands, namely (from the leading edge of the wing) the 'marginal', 'lesser', 'median' and 'greater' coverts.From Peter Weaver's Birdwatcher's Dictionary
Copyright © 1981 by Peter Weaver