prealternate molt

[ pree-awl-ter-nit ]

/ priˈɔl tər nɪt /

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noun Ornithology.

the molt by which many birds replace only some and rarely all of the feathers assumed at the prebasic molt, usually occurring prior to breeding.

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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

Origin of prealternate molt

Fortunately they are in the same pelage and same stage of molt on the hind legs.
Mammals Obtained by Dr. Curt von Wedel from the Barrier Beach of Tamaulipas, Mexico|E. Raymond Hall
From Thayers note-book of 1857: Circumstance related to me by the son of Mr. Molt.
The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven, Volume III (of 3)|Alexander Wheelock Thayer
Our specimen had nearly finished with molt and feather growth into adult winter plumage.
Vertebrates from the Barrier Island of Tamaulipas, Mxico|Robert K Selander
The remaining two adult skins in our series are three-quarters through the molt and are for the most part in fresh winter feather.
Vertebrates from the Barrier Island of Tamaulipas, Mxico|Robert K Selander

The males at this period among most Ducks deserting their mate to undergo the partial molt before mentioned.
Color Key to North American Birds|Frank M. Chapman