What are the longest wing feathers on a hawk known as?

The longest wing feathers on a hawk are referred to as primaries. These feathers are attached to the outer part of the wing and play a crucial role in flight, providing the necessary lift and thrust when a hawk is soaring or engaged in more dynamic flight maneuvers. The structure and arrangement of the primaries are essential for the bird's ability to navigate various air currents and perform agile aerial acrobatics.

In contrast, secondaries are the feathers located closer to the body, which contribute to the wing's surface area but are shorter than the primaries. Tertials are even further in towards the body, covering the bases of the secondaries. Coverts are the small feathers that lie over the primaries and secondaries, helping to streamline the wing and reduce turbulence. Each type of feather serves a specific purpose in avian physiology, but the longest feathers critical for flight are indeed the primaries.