What feature in juvenile *P. ludoviciana* links it to its species designation?
Answer
Two distinct yellow or yellowish-white wing bars
Accurate field identification, especially for less distinctive individuals like females or first-year birds, relies on consistent markings that persist across life stages. For the Western Tanager (*Piranga ludoviciana*), a key distinguishing feature, even when the bird exhibits duller olive-green plumage resembling warblers or vireos, is the presence of two clear wing bars. These bars are typically yellow or yellowish-white and contrast against the darker wings. Maintaining these specific wing markings provides practical, on-the-ground evidence confirming the identification of the individual as belonging to the *Piranga ludoviciana* species within the broader family context.
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