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Abstract

explores plumage variation in the buntings of the genus Plectrophenax and suggests that McKay's Bunting is a subspecies of Snow Bunting (P. nivalis) instead of a biological species. This female McKay's Bunting shows the broad white edges to the primaries, alula, and tertials, along with primary coverts that are dark for their entire length, that help to distinguish it from a male Snow Bunting at this season. On the basis of the faded primaries it may be a one-year-old bird. Note how a black and white bird can blend in well with the lichens on its preferred nesting substrate of rocky talus.