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nuptial plumage

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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Word History and Origins

Origin of nuptial plumage1

First recorded in 1830–40
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Example Sentences

All the cock sunbirds (Arachnechthra asiatica) are now in the full glory of their nuptial plumage.

There is no month in the year in which I have not seen a cock purple sunbird in nuptial plumage.

A body molt takes place in late winter or early spring which produces a first nuptial plumage much like the adult.

There is considerable individual variation in the amount of new feathers in this first nuptial plumage.

I have seen birds in full nuptial plumage as early as March 21 and in full winter plumage as late as May 13.

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