Plumate

Plumate is a term that can refer to several things, primarily related to the feathering of birds. In its most common ornithological usage, it describes a bird's plumage, which is the collective term for its feathers. The color, pattern, and arrangement of these feathers are collectively known as the plumage. Plumate characteristics are often used for species identification, as they can vary significantly between different bird species, and even within a species based on age, sex, or season. For instance, many birds exhibit distinct breeding plumage that differs from their non-breeding or juvenile plumage.

The term can also be used as an adjective, meaning feathered or covered in feathers. For example, one might describe a bird's wing as plumate, indicating it is covered in feathers. In some contexts, particularly in historical or less precise descriptions, "plumate" might also be used more generally to refer to something resembling a feather or having feather-like qualities, though this usage is less common in scientific discourse. The study of plumage and its variations is a significant aspect of ornithology, contributing to our understanding of avian evolution, behavior, and ecology.