Opps--this is a more accurate definition:

Humphrey and Parkes Terminology.

Alternate: Species that molt twice a year have two plumages after the
juvenal: basic and alternate. The alternate plumage is the
second plumage after the juvenal. The sequence is: juvenal molt basic molt
alternate molt basic molt alternate, etc.
Alternate equals summer or breeding plumage only in birds that have two
molts. Note, birds that molt once a year do not have
an alternate plumage.

Elizabeth Boyd wrote:

> Hi all you Tweeters
>
> I have a question regarding a phrae being used lately. Whatis meant be
> 'atlernate plumage'?
>
> I know what winter plumage is and eclipse, coming ot of eclipse,
> immature , and breeding plumage. But what is alternate plumage?
>
> Ananswer off line would be OK, unless there may be others out there who
> also don't know what you mean by this term......
>
> Thank you
> Betty Boyd
> Chimacum, WA
> critrhse at webtv.net

--

Jerry and Sandy Converse
Grand Coulee, WA

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember, amateurs built the Ark and
Professionals built the Titanic.