caudal

They are usually called Lancet-fish, from the curious structure of the sub-caudal spines.

The caudal appendage of the juvenile and female is made up of three small joints tapering to a blunt end.

Towards the caudal end the lateral branches come off more irregularly.

In the breeding season the two median caudal feathers of the cock project as bristles beyond the others.

In winter the tail is short, but in May both sexes grow long pheasant-like caudal feathers which give the bird its popular name.