The appendage of feathers protruding backwards from the rump, but absent or much reduced in some species. The tail(feathers) can be from rather short and blunt to greatly elongated and the tail-end can be square, rounded, forked, wedge-shaped, needle-like or even racket-like. Muscles in the rump enable the tail to be raised, depressed, moved sidewards or spread. In flight the tail can give some assistance in steering and braking and tends to be broad in soaring species (e.g., vultures) and short in rapid flyers. If the tail is of considerable size it commonly plays a role in display (also listed) postures, particularly those of male courtship (peacock!). See also: tailfeathers.

Alternative forms for tail : tailed, tails.