What two conspicuous wing bars feature on the Western Tanager male's jet black wings?
Answer
One broad, creamy white bar and a narrower, yellowish one
The plumage of the male Western Tanager is highly distinct, featuring a lemon-yellow body, a bright red head, and jet black back, wings, and tail. Set against this dark background are two specific highlights on the wings. There is one bar that is broad and creamy white, positioned immediately next to a second bar that is narrower and distinctly yellowish. This specific combination of two differently sized and colored bars is a key diagnostic feature for identifying the adult male, even when other colors might be obscured by dense foliage or shifting light conditions.
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