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

The bird is of course in full nuptial plumage.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.

After a year, and at the beginning of the normal breeding season, "individual tanagers and bobolinks were gradually brought under normal conditions and activities," and in every case moulted from nuptial plumage to nuptial plumage.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

Anastomus oscitans, sexes and young of; white nuptial plumage of.

From The Descent of Man by Darwin, Charles

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.