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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nuptial plumage

For the foregoing statements in regard to partial moults, and on old males retaining their nuptial plumage, see Jerdon, on bustards and plovers, in 'Birds of India,' vol. iii. pp.

From The Descent of Man by Charles Darwin

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

From The Descent of Man by Charles Darwin

In the natural condition the drake must moult twice in the year, once when he sheds the nuptial plumage, and again when he drops the summer dress.

From Hormones and Heredity by J. T. Cunningham

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

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