What is the term for the period during which animals shed and renew their feathers?

The period during which animals shed and renew their feathers is known as molting. This process is crucial for birds as it allows them to replace old, worn-out feathers with new ones, which can enhance their ability to fly, stay warm, and be more effective in attracting mates. Molting typically occurs at specific times of the year and can vary among different species. It can involve a gradual shedding of feathers to ensure that the bird maintains some level of insulation and flight capability throughout the process.

Other terms, while related to bird behavior and life cycles, refer to different activities. Grooming is related to the maintenance of feathers but does not involve the shedding of old ones. Nesting refers to the process of building or using a structure for laying eggs and raising young, while migration is the seasonal movement from one region to another, often in search of food or more favorable living conditions.