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Their skin and plumage absorb light at high-energy wavelengths, then re-emit it at low-energy wavelengths visible to other birds as a bright yellow-green.—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025 The duck was dazzling, with high-contrast plumage reminiscent of a Peking-opera mask.—Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025 Illuminated by blue and UV light, the birds’ white and bright yellow plumage broadcasts colors that may be used in territorial disputes or for finding mates, according to the study.—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025 Resting near the top of a utility pole, the majestic bird was impossible to miss, with that telltale snow-white plumage.—Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plumage
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French, from plume feather — more at plume
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