 Remiges ( from the Latin for " oarsman " ) are located on the posterior side of the wing . Ligaments attach the long calami ( quills ) firmly to the wing bones , and a thick , strong band of tendinous tissue known as the postpatagium helps to hold and support the remiges in place . Corresponding remiges on individual birds are symmetrical between the two wings , matching to a large extent in size and shape ( except in the case of mutation or damage ) , though not necessarily in pattern . They are given different names depending on their position along the wing . 
