Zoology glossary ~ W

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Warning Coloration
"A combination of contrasting colors that warns that an animal is dangerous. Bands of black and yellow are a typical form of warning coloration, found in stinging insects."

WatchList
"A conservation program identifying species that are declining or have limited ranges but are not yet threatened or endangered. The WatchList is a cooperative project of the National Audubon Society and Partners in Flight."

Water Vascular System
"In echinoderms, a system of fluid-filled tubes and chambers that connects with the tube feet. The fluid in the water vascular system is under pressure, giving the tube feet their shape."

Wattle
"An unfeathered flap or growth of skin on the face or neck that hangs down below the head; often brightly colored or wrinkled. Found especially on turkeys, jacanas, and some plovers."

Weaning
"In mammals, the period when the mother gradually ceases to provide milk for her young."

Weanling
A horse, either male or female, between six months and one year in age.

Wing-Bar
"A light-colored bar on a wing, formed by pale tips on the covert feathers or pale bases of the flight feathers."

Wing-Flicking
"A rapid movement of the wings of a bird otherwise at rest; seen, for example, in some kinglets and Empidonax flycatchers. Such movements along with pumping of the tail, are sometimes described as 'nervous' habits."