wellfeathered

Wellfeathered is an adjective usually written as well-feathered, though the form wellfeathered is also encountered. It describes having a full, healthy plumage. In birds, a wellfeathered condition implies dense, intact feathers, proper molting, and good insulation, and is often an indicator of health and vigor. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a person, organization, or project that is adequately supplied with resources, tools, or support.

Origin and form: The term is a compound of well, meaning in a good condition, and feathered, derived from feather. Hyphenation varies by style; modern usage often prefers well-feathered, but wellfeathered appears in dated texts and some modern non-hyphenated forms.

Usage in ornithology and literature: In field guides, well-feathered may accompany descriptions of plumage stage, molt status, and age class. It is less a technical term than a descriptive note, used when the observer wants to convey that plumage is complete or attractive. In literature, it is used metaphorically to suggest preparedness or abundance.

Examples: A wellfeathered hawk presents a dense, uniform plumage; a wellfeathered budget indicates sufficient funds for ongoing operations.

Notes: There is no standardized, formal definition in major taxonomic glossaries; usage tends to be descriptive and context-dependent. The term remains primarily a descriptive descriptor in natural history, with broader metaphorical applications in prose and discourse.