The Audubon Societies 



265 



gaudy Tanager is confined to the tree tops and why streaked Sparrow must 

 simulate its dry grass haunts if it would persist. Birds dwelling within reach 

 of skulking enemies seldom wear brilliant colors or bear feathers that are 

 continuously conspicuous. They are protectively colored and often fit into 

 their environment to such an extent as to be practically invisible. The ways 

 in which this concealment is brought about are varied and interesting, so 



MALE WOOD [DUCK (CAPTIVE). UPPER FIGURE, BREEDING 



PLUMAGE; LOWER FIGURE, ECLIPSE PLUMAGE 

 The eclipse plumage corresponds to the winter plumage which many 

 brightly colored birds assume, but it is worn only during July and_ August 



much so, in fact, that we will devote the next issue of the School Department 

 to the discussion and will now pass on to a few other matters regarding the 

 coloration of birds. 



In discussing brilliant colors we should remember that very few birds wear 

 the bright colors throughout the year, the Kingfisher and the Red-headed 

 Woodpecker being notable exceptions. The vast majority shed their bright 

 colors after the breeding season and do not don them again until the following 

 spring. With many of the Ducks, however, this change from a brilliant to an 

 obscure plumage in the male occurs as early as June or July and by the time 

 most birds are ready to take on their obscure plumage in August and September, 

 they are ready to assume their brilHant feathers once more. It will be re- 

 membered that after the breeding season all birds moult every feather on the 



