ECLIPSE PLUMAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Eclipse plumage refers to the temporary change in the appearance of certain bird species during their annual molt. It specifically describes the plumage that birds develop during this period, which often resembles the appearance of the opposite gender or a more inconspicuous coloration compared to their usual breeding plumage.
Birds undergo a molt, or the process of shedding and replacing feathers, usually once or twice a year. During this molt, which can happen during autumn or spring, birds may temporarily lose their vibrant and distinct breeding plumage. Instead, they develop an eclipse plumage that usually lacks the bright colors, intricate patterns, or specific features that are characteristic of their breeding season plumage.
The purpose of the eclipse plumage is generally related to camouflage and protection. By adopting more subdued or inconspicuous colors, birds can better blend into their natural surroundings, making it harder for predators to spot them. This camouflage is particularly advantageous during the molting period when their flight capabilities may be temporarily compromised due to the feather loss and regrowth.
Once the molt is complete, birds will typically shed their eclipse plumage and showcase their renewed vibrant breeding plumage in order to attract mates during the breeding season. The length and intensity of the eclipse plumage can vary depending on the species, with some birds only displaying it for a few weeks, while others may retain it for several months.
Common Misspellings for ECLIPSE PLUMAGE
- wclipse plumage
- sclipse plumage
- dclipse plumage
- rclipse plumage
- 4clipse plumage
- 3clipse plumage
- exlipse plumage
- evlipse plumage
- eflipse plumage
- edlipse plumage
- eckipse plumage
- ecpipse plumage
- ecoipse plumage
- eclupse plumage
- ecljpse plumage
- eclkpse plumage
- eclopse plumage
- ecl9pse plumage
- ecl8pse plumage
- ecliose plumage
Etymology of ECLIPSE PLUMAGE
The etymology of the term "eclipse plumage" can be traced back to the combination of two words: "eclipse" and "plumage".
The word "eclipse" is derived from Latin and can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word "ekleipsis", meaning "an abandonment" or "a forsaking". It was primarily used in reference to the abandonment or obscuring of light during an eclipse.
The term "plumage" refers to the collection of feathers on a bird. It comes from the Old French word "plumage" and the Latin word "pluma", both of which mean "feather". It is also related to the Latin word "plumosus", which means "feathery" or "plumed".
Therefore, when combined, "eclipse plumage" refers to the special temporary plumage that some birds acquire during their molting period.
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