What subtle feature aids in separating a healthy adult male's black areas from similar congeners?
Answer
A slight gloss or sheen on the black areas
When identifying a healthy adult male in the field, a useful differentiator involves the light reflection properties of the black feathers. While the overall color contrast is key, the black areas, especially on the back and crown, frequently exhibit a slight gloss or sheen. This subtle reflectivity makes the black appear richer and deeper than a simple matte color. This specific difference in light reflection helps observers distinguish the Black-and-Yellow Tanager from other species that might share a similar yellow hue but lack this distinct sheen contrast in their darker plumage.
Related Questions
What is the general total length range for an adult Black-and-Yellow Tanager?What is the usual mass range for the Black-and-Yellow Tanager?How is the head plumage described for an adult male Black-and-Yellow Tanager?How is the black hood on a female Black-and-Yellow Tanager typically different from the male's?What color is the bill typically described as on the Black-and-Yellow Tanager?What is the overall appearance of the juvenile plumage in the Black-and-Yellow Tanager?What is the typical coloration of the legs and feet of the Black-and-Yellow Tanager?What subtle feature aids in separating a healthy adult male's black areas from similar congeners?On which areas might a female Black-and-Yellow Tanager's yellow lean toward an orangey-yellow or greenish-yellow wash?Besides the head, which areas on the male are predominantly black, sometimes appearing dark olive or greenish-black?