This is the 6112th most frequent Dutch word.
ruiven
To feed from a trough (typically used for animals).
The verb 'ruiven' is used here in its literal sense to describe the process by which birds replace their feathers.
De vogels ruiven hun oude veren om nieuwe te laten groeien.
The birds molt their old feathers to grow new ones.
The word 'ruiven' is described as a periodic activity related to natural cycles in this sentence.
Tijdens de herfst beginnen veel vogels te ruiven.
During autumn, many birds begin to molt.
The term 'ruiven' is employed to highlight an observed behavior specific to birds of prey.