semialtricial

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GLOSSARY / semialtricial

referring to species whose newly hatched chicks are near the low end of a spectrum of physiological development; eyes open but not yet able to focus, limited motor skills and strength and coordination, some downy feather covering but unable to thermoregulate, and fully dependent on parents for feeding, warmth, and protection for a long period before leaving the nest (nidicolous); includes Bald Eagles and other diurnal raptors