What is the most striking difference in wing markings for Juvenile Western Kingbirds compared to adults?
Answer
Prominent pale wing bars
Juvenile Western Kingbirds exhibit a crucial plumage difference on their wings when compared to adults. While adults may show only subtle pale edging on their dark wings, young birds display prominent pale wing bars. These two distinct whitish or buffy stripes are formed by the pale tips of the median and greater coverts against the darker wing surface. The presence of these two obvious, pale wing bars serves as a rapid and reliable confirmation that the individual is a young bird hatched in the current year, distinguishing them clearly before they undergo their post-juvenile molt.
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