How does the eye color of a juvenile White-eyed Vireo differ from an adult's?
Answer
Juveniles possess dark eyes until reaching their first winter or spring
A significant difference used to separate young birds from established adults is the eye coloration. White-eyed Vireo juveniles are born with dark eyes. This dark eye color persists throughout their juvenile stage until they transition into adulthood, specifically when they reach their first winter or spring season, at which point the characteristic adult white iris develops. Additionally, young birds may have an entirely paler gray head and generally paler plumage compared to the mature individuals.
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