Wings

CICADA WINGS

SWAN WING

Different birds have one of seven wing shapes adapted for their different flying styles. 
 

• For rapid take-off, short-distance and dodging flight  

          Short, broad, cupped wings
          For example:  Pheasants -  Grouse
  

• For soaring flight 

          Shorter and broader wings with slotted primary feathers
          For example:  Vultures -  Hawks -  Ravens and some gulls
   

• High speed flight  and maneuverability 

          Flat, moderately long, narrow and triangular wings
          For example:  Swifts -  Swallows -  Waterfowl 

• Slow flapping flight 

          Arched wings
          For example:  Herons - Egrets - Ibises
     

• Gliding flight 

          Long, narrow, flat, pointed wings
          For example:  Storks - Herons   
                

• Hovering or motionless flight  

          Pointed, swept-back wings
          For example:  Hummingbirds
    

• Long distance, oceanic and soaring flight  

          Long, narrow,flat and pointed, with no slotted primary feathers
          For example:  Albatrosses  -  Gulls  -  Frigate birds


                                                                                    http://www.paulnoll.com/Oregon/Birds/flight-shape.html

IDIOMS, METAPHORS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. To take under one's wing
   
2. On a wing and a prayer
   
3. Clip (someone's) wing
   
4. Wing it