color phase

noun

a genetically controlled variation in the colors of the skin, pelt, or plumage of an animal.
one of two or more colorings assumed by an animal, varying with age or season.

Origin of color phase

First recorded in 1925–30

Only one of the 14 specimens is of the light color phase (upper parts Cartridge Buff).
Mammals Obtained by Dr. Curt von Wedel from the Barrier Beach of Tamaulipas, Mexico | E. Raymond Hall
Of the three specimens from Deming Station, all are in the gray color-phase.
Comments on the Taxonomy and Geographic Distribution of Some North American Marsupials, Insectivores and Carnivores | E. Raymond Hall
Five are in the reddish color phase and one is in the brownish phase.
Noteworthy Mammals from Sinaloa, Mexico | J. Knox Jones, Jr.

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