What does 'eclipse' mean? (1 Viewer)

A

adw73uk

Well-known member

• Apr 3, 2006

• #1

Hi,

this may seem like a stupid question but here goes.... In some bird ID books in addition to the main bird identification drawings they also have drawings annotated with 'male eclipse'.

What does this mean???

Thanks

Andrew

 

L

Longspur23

Well-known member

• Apr 3, 2006

• #2

Eclipse refers to the period between breeding and nonbreeding plumages in ducks (not sure if it occurs in any other species) in which the flight feathers are shed, leading to odd looking (and flightless) birds.

 

Last edited: Apr 3, 2006

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Dave J

Dave J

• Apr 3, 2006

• #3

Hi Andrew

In late summer/autumn ducks undergo a complete moult, including their flight feathers.Because they cannot fly they are vulnerable, and males take on a much drabber, female-like plumage. This is called eclipse plumage.

Dave

 

Last edited: Apr 3, 2006

cuckooroller

Registered User

• Apr 3, 2006

• #4

Yes, basically true. There are other birds beside Ducks for which the term is used and in which the state of being restricted in flight capacity is not contemplated, cf. certain Nectariniidae.

Edit: I just did a quick search. Also found it used describing post-breeding males of birds in Sternidae, Meliphagidae, and Ploceidae.

 

Last edited: Apr 3, 2006

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adw73uk

Well-known member

• Apr 4, 2006

• #5

Thanks to all - I will sleep better tonight!!