Editing Plumage (section)

==Humphrey–Parkes (H–P) moult and plumage terminology==
Almost all species of birds [[moult]] at least annually, usually after the breeding season, known as the ''pre-basic moult''. This resulting covering of feathers, which will last either until the next breeding season or until the next annual moult, is known as the basic plumage. Many species undertake another moult before the breeding season known as the ''pre-alternate moult'', the resulting breeding plumage being known as the ''alternate plumage'' or nuptial plumage. The alternate plumage is often brighter than the basic plumage, for sexual display, but may also be cryptic to hide incubating birds that might be vulnerable on the nest.<ref name=j1/>

The [[Humphrey–Parkes terminology]] requires some attention to detail to name moults and plumages correctly.<ref name=j2/>