nuptial plumage

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuptial plumage¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Frightful was in her nuptial plumage.

From Literature

He has not yet, moreover, attained the fullest beauty of his nuptial plumage.

From Project Gutenberg

Discussion why the males alone of some species, and both sexes of other species, are brightly coloured—On sexually-limited inheritance, as applied to various structures and to brightly-coloured plumage—Nidification in relation to colour—Loss of nuptial plumage during the winter.

From Project Gutenberg

There is also reason to believe that with certain bustards and rail-like birds, which properly undergo a double moult, some of the older males retain their nuptial plumage throughout the year.

From Project Gutenberg

In all these cases, the nuptial plumage which we may assume was originally acquired by the adult males during the breeding-season, and transmitted to the adults of both sexes at the corresponding season, has been modified, whilst the winter and immature plumages have been left unchanged.

From Project Gutenberg