Eclipse plumage is the boring look worn by birds in the off season.
As you probably know, birds molt their feathers. Most do it a few at a time. It keeps them in good flying order.
Not ducks. Take Wood Ducks for example. Here is one in his splendid display for breeding season.
Breeding Plumage
But. About the time the rest of us are out Memorial Day mattress shopping he starts looking for a hideout. He’s about to lose all his flight feathers. At the same time. That fancy breeding plumage will be replaced by something more conservative. Camouflage. But it takes 20, 30 days or even longer for the Eclipse Plumage to grow in.
Eclipse Plumage
In the meantime not having feathers on his wings pretty much puts the kibosh on flying.
So he darned well better find a good dressing room. Where he can stay out of sight. While he’s changing. A reedy lake perhaps.
There he can find food. He can be safe from predators. And no one can see him.
After all. This has to be embarrassing.
