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"Centrifugal Tail Molt"

By Laura Klappenbach, About.com

Definition: n. The shedding and replacement of a bird's tail feathers that begins with the innermost pair of feathers being replaced first and then proceeding from the center outward. Only one pair of feathers is shed and replaced at a time. This tail molt pattern is experienced by most species of passerines. (Source: Sibley)

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