The Italian word pennacchio came to Spanish as plume . However, we must not overlook that this Italian word has its etymological origin in Latin. Specifically, in the word “penna”, which can be translated as “feather” or even as “wing”.
This is the name given to the set of feathers that certain birds have in the upper region of their heads .
Also referred to as a pompadour or crest , the plume is formed with elongated feathers that stand out from the rest on the head. According to specialists, the plume can be used in courtship, to appear larger in the face of a threat or to establish communication with other members of the species.
The rockhopper penguin (also called macaroni penguin ) and the rockhopper penguin (or rockhopper penguin ) are two animals that have this grouping of feathers. These are species similar to each other, characterized precisely by the plume.
Cockatoos also have a tuft. The galerita cockatoo or yellow-topped cockatoo , for example, has a body covered in white plumage and a yellowish tuft of elongated feathers.
The feather ornament , meanwhile, is referred to as a plume. The helmets of ancient armies used to have a plume that, in addition to ornamentation, served as identification. The plumes can also protrude from headdresses and other objects.
Taking this meaning into account, it must be established that one of the best-known plumes is the so-called Moctezuma plume. It is a headdress made of colorful quetzal feathers that are set in gold. If it receives that name it is because it is considered to have belonged to the tlatoani of the Mexica Moctezuma Xocoyotzin (1466 – 1520).
That plume, which is currently part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnology in Vienna, has a diameter of 175 centimeters and a height of 116 centimeters. Likewise, it should be noted that it has about 222 pens and that, at this time, it has a value that exceeds 50 million dollars. And it is not in perfect condition.
Specialists in the matter, such as the historian Carmen Cook de Leonard, have come to affirm that this plume was one of the many that Moctezuma had and that he liked to use them.
Likewise, we cannot forget that there is also what is known as a smoke plume. This is used to refer to the column of smoke that moves through the atmosphere and which turns out to be polluting. Specifically, this plume can arise from different places, although some of the most common are factories. These expel these fumes through their powerful industrial chimneys.
Everything that is similar to a plume, on the other hand, is called the same way. That is why it is common to say that different plants have tufts.
The Celosia argentea , in fact, is called plume in some regions, while in others it is called love flower , cockscomb or turkey snot . Since its flowers and leaves are edible, in some countries it is cultivated for food purposes.