What specific physical characteristics distinguish the *Z. l. pugetensis* subspecies from others, such as *gambelii*?
Answer
Yellow bill and distinctly brown underparts
Field identification guides focus on subtle, tangible differences between subspecies to differentiate them. While *gambelii* is characterized by having pale lores and an orange-pink bill, the *pugetensis* subspecies possesses a contrasting suite of features. *Pugetensis* is specifically identified by having a yellow bill and noticeably brown coloration on its underparts, allowing birders to distinguish it from neighboring or migratory populations.
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