eclipse plumage

American  

noun

Ornithology.

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

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eclipse plumage British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of eclipse plumage

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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."

From An Australian Bird Book A Pocket Book for Field Use by Leach, John Albert

Early fall drakes are usually still in full eclipse plumage.

From Ducks at a Distance A Waterfowl Identification Guide by Hines, Robert W.

This hen-like appearance is called the eclipse plumage.

From Ducks at a Distance A Waterfowl Identification Guide by Hines, Robert W.

At this time the bird would be in eclipse plumage.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.

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.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.