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

In trying to identify these little birds from our books, I found that great confusion had prevailed in regard to them, because their nuptial plumage differs so much from their ordinary dress.

From Life at Puget Sound: With Sketches of Travel in Washington Territory, British Columbia, Oregon and California by Leighton, Caroline C.

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 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.

In the best nuptial plumage the rosy coloring is heightened to an intense crimson, especially on the wings, tail coverts, and the under parts.

From Our Bird Comrades by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)

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.