nuptial plumage

American  

noun

Ornithology.

1. the plumage assumed by a male bird during the courtship period, especially in those species that are more colorful at this period.

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Etymology

Origin of nuptial plumage

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nuptial plumage

The wild duck pairs in autumn or early winter, after the assumption of the nuptial plumage, but copulation does not occur till spring is advanced.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.

The observations of Seligmann and Shattock on the relation of spermatogenesis to the development of nuptial plumage in drakes probably receive their explanation from the above facts.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.

The reappearance of the nuptial plumage takes place in the month of September, and while this process takes place there is no sign of change or renewed activity in the testes.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.

The change from nuptial plumage to eclipse takes place between the beginning of June and the middle of July.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.

He has not yet, moreover, attained the fullest beauty of his nuptial plumage.

From Wild Spain (Espa?a agreste) Records of Sport with Rifle, Rod, and Gun, Natural History Exploration by Buck, Walter J.