Definition

Noun: 1. The entire covering of feathers on a bird's body: Plumage refers to all the feathers that grow from a bird's skin, forming its outer layer. This covering serves multiple functions, including insulation, waterproofing, flight, and display. 2. The pattern, color, and arrangement of a bird's feathers: The term also describes the specific appearance of a bird's feathers, which can vary by species, sex, age, and season.

Usage and Examples

• The peacock is famous for its spectacular and colorful plumage, which it fans out to attract mates.
• In spring, many birds molt and grow new, bright plumage for the breeding season.
• Birdwatchers often identify species by subtle differences in their plumage.
• The owl's soft, mottled brown plumage provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.

Advanced Usage

• "Eclipse plumage": A dull, often female-like set of feathers worn by males of some bird species (like ducks) for a short period after the breeding season.
  • The male mallard loses its bright green head and enters its eclipse plumage in late summer.
• "Breeding plumage" or "nuptial plumage": The brighter, more elaborate set of feathers grown by birds, typically males, for courtship and mating.
  • The snowy egret develops beautiful, lacy plumes as part of its breeding plumage.

Variants and Related Words

• Plume (noun): A single, large, conspicuous feather, often used for ornamentation.
  • The knight's helmet was adorned with an ostrich plume.
• Feather (noun): Any one of the light, flat structures that make up a bird's plumage.
  • A single feather floated down from the sky.
• Molting (verb/noun): The process of shedding old feathers and growing new ones.
  • The bird is molting, so its plumage looks ragged.

Synonyms

• Feathers: The most common and direct synonym.
• Plumage is a more formal, collective term for all the feathers.
• Plumage often implies consideration of the feathers' appearance as a whole.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "In full plumage": Describing a bird displaying its most complete and vibrant set of feathers.
  • The bird of paradise was in full plumage, a breathtaking sight.
• "Fine feathers make fine birds" (Idiom): This proverb suggests that attractive clothing or appearance creates a good impression. It draws a direct analogy to a bird's plumage.
  • She arrived at the gala in a stunning gown—fine feathers make fine birds, after all.

Noun

1. the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds