What key difference exists between the throat patches of adult male and adult female Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers?
Answer
Adult females lack the red on the throat, featuring a white or buffy throat patch instead
Sexual dimorphism in plumage is most apparent in the throat and forehead regions of adult Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. While adult males are characterized by having both a red forehead patch and a red throat, the adult females exhibit a notable absence of red on the throat. Instead of red, the female's throat patch is typically white or slightly buffy in color. Although the female's forehead may still retain some red coloration, the difference in the throat presentation is a critical field mark for distinguishing the sexes.
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