Plumage is the name given to both the layer of feathers that cover a bird and the colour, pattern and arrangement of those feathers.

Plumage varies between different species, subspecies, sexes and age, and in some species it can vary from season to season.

Ornithologists and birdwatchers use the differences in plumage to distinguish between each species of bird and to collect species specific information.

Associated Terms: Feathers

Also see:
Eclipse Plumage
Flight Feathers
Covert