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

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 Caroline C. Leighton

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 Leander S. (Leander Sylvester) Keyser

After this the nuptial plumage developed again, and on November 12 the bird was in full nuptial plumage, with good curl feathers in the tail.

From Hormones and Heredity by J. T. Cunningham

The bird is of course in full nuptial plumage.

From Hormones and Heredity by J. T. Cunningham

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

From Hormones and Heredity by J. T. Cunningham