What distinctive feature marks the adult male Common Yellowthroat in breeding plumage?
Answer
A broad black mask across his face
The adult male Common Yellowthroat in full breeding plumage exhibits unmistakable physical characteristics, notably a broad black mask covering the area across his face. This feature is a key element of sexual dimorphism when comparing him to the female, who lacks this dark facial marking and instead has brown coloration there. Furthermore, the male's black mask is typically bordered above by a conspicuous gray or white band. This striking contrast, combined with the vibrant yellow on the throat and breast against olive-brown upperparts, makes the male highly conspicuous despite the species' overall secretive nature.
Related Questions
What is the scientific designation for the Common Yellowthroat?What distinctive feature marks the adult male Common Yellowthroat in breeding plumage?What is the characteristic loud, fast, and repetitive song performed by the male Common Yellowthroat?Why does the Common Yellowthroat delay southern migration later than many canopy feeders?What specific historical event involved Linnaeus describing a Common Yellowthroat specimen in 1766?Where is the nest of the Common Yellowthroat typically situated relative to the ground level?What conflicting population assessment data is noted for the Common Yellowthroat in Massachusetts?What posture does the Common Yellowthroat often adopt with its short tail?What is the origin of the genus name Geothlypis regarding the bird's habits?How long does the pair bond commitment of the Common Yellowthroat extend past the fledging period?