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BIRDS OF NEW MEXICO 
Lanceolate: Lance-shaped; tapering gradually to a point. 
Lining of the Wing: The under wing coverts. 
Lobate j 
Lobed J : With membranous flaps, as the toes of a coot. 
Mantle: In the gulls and some other birds, the mantle, applied to the plumage of' 
back, scapulars, and wings, differing from the adjoining parts and uniform in 
color, suggesting a mantle thrown over the body. 
Masked: Having the anterior part of the head colored differently from the adjoining 
plumage. 
Melanistic: A state of coloration resulting from excess of black or dark pigment, in 
which the normal colors are replaced by black or dusky as in some hawks. 
Metallic: Applied to colors having a brilliant appearance, like burnished metal. 
Migration: Periodic, spring and fall, usually north or south movements. 
Mirror: A name sometimes given to the speculum or metallic wing band in ducks. 
Monochromatic: Having only one color form, in distinction to dichromatic. 
Monogamous: Birds which pair, or have a single mate in a season. 
Moustache: Any conspicuous stripe on the side of the head beneath the eye. 
Nail: Overhanging tip of bill, as in some ducks. 
Nostril: The opening in the upper part of the bill. 
Nuchal: Pertaining to the nape. 
Nuptial plumes: Ornamental feathers acquired at the approach of the breeding 
season and lost at its close. 
Occipital: Pertaining to the hind-neck or occiput. 
Orbital ring: A ring of color immediately encircling the eye. 
Palate: The roof of the mouth. 
Passerine: Relating to an order of land birds including the most highly developed 
birds, such as crows, thrushes, warblers, sparrows, etc., but not the swifts, 
hummingbirds, kingfishers, woodpeckers, etc. 
Pectinate: Having tooth-like projections like the teeth of a comb, as in the toes of 
grouse. 
Pectoral: Relating to the breast. 
Polygamous: Mating with many females, as the domestic cock. 
Quill: One of the primaries. 
Raucous: Hoarse voiced. 
Recurved: Curved upward. 
Rufous: Brownish red. 
Serrate: Toothed like a saw. 
Spatulate: Spoon or spatulate-shaped. 
Species: Related individuals with differences that distinguish them from others. 
Speculum: A mirror-like or brightly colored band, usually across the secondaries, 
on the wings of certain ducks. 
