Plumage

Description

The feathery covering on a bird. Feathers provide protection, insulation, water repellency, and in some instances, camouflage. The plumage of male birds is typically brighter and more colorful than that of females. Through molting, feathers are lost and replaced about once a year.

Resources and Citations

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "plumage." Accessed 3 Feb. 2005 .