eclipse plumage

noun

Ornithology.

the dull plumage developed in some brightly colored birds after the breeding season.

eclipse plumage

seasonal plumage that occurs in certain birds after the breeding plumage and before the winter plumage: characterized by dull coloration

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First recorded in 1905–10

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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As a protection, the gaudy ones acquire a quiet, inconspicuous coloration for a time, so that the male is said to get an "eclipse plumage."

This hen-like appearance is called the eclipse plumage.

Early fall drakes are usually still in full eclipse plumage.

Blue-winged teal and shovelers may retain the eclipse plumage until well into the winter.

The idea here seems to be that since the eclipse plumage is only assumed when the testis is present, therefore it must be a male character.

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