Feathers of a bird that cover other feathers. Coverts appear on the wings and tail of birds and help to smooth airflow over the wings and tail. Found on http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/glossary/
Contour feathers that lie over (or partly cover) other feathers and serve to protect them and to streamline the bird. Uppertail and undertail coverts cover the base of the tail on the upperside and underside of the body, respectively. Wing coverts are arranged in distinct tiers in many birds, especially larger species: greater coverts are the large... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/22218
Smaller feathers covering the bases of larger wing and tail feathers (remiges and rectrices), both above and below, as well as the ear opening. Found on https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/22222