Plumage Sequence and Taxonomy of Laysan and Nihoa Finches

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Abstract
The fully adult plumage of Laysan finch (Telespyza cantans) is not acquired until the 3rd yr of life i.e., by the 3rd prebasic molt. By contrast, there is a single immature stage in Nihoa finch (T. ultima), the birds acquiring the adult aspect in a single year by a prealternate molt. T. cantans has only a prebasic molt each year, whereas T. ultima has both a prebasic and a partial prealternate molt. That T. cantans and T. ultima be classified as distinct species is recommended.

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