covert
//ˈkʌvərt//
Adjective
covertCanonical form
1
Not openly acknowledged or displayed; hidden or secret.
The agency conducted a covert operation to gather intelligence.
2
Covered or sheltered; protected.
The birds found a covert spot under the thick branches to shelter from the rain.
Synonym
Noun
1
A shelter or hiding place, especially a thicket providing cover for game.
The pheasants fled to the covert when they heard the hunters approaching.
2
Any of the feathers covering the bases of the main flight or tail feathers of a bird.
The bird's coverts were a brilliant shade of blue.