BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 1, 2024
Bird identification is challenging, and never more than it is right now. August is the height of misidentification season. In many species, young birds don’t resemble their parents. Their streaky, less colorful markings are intentional. Young birds are more vulnerable to predation and need all the camouflage they can get. Camouflage wouldn’t help larger birds. Predators could spot a juvenile crow no matter what color it was. Hence, youngsters look like their parents. ~ Bob Duchesne