(noun) The part of a bird's head above the eyes and in front of the crown; the front part of the head. The size and shape of a bird's forehead can vary by species. The color of the forehead may contrast with the lores or crown and may be marked with specific colors, stripes or bands that can be useful in identification. The California quail, for example, has a pale forehead, whereas the similar Gambel's quail has a dark forehead. In terms of markings, the piping plover is a good example of a bird with a forehead band that is a distinguishing field mark.
When examining a bird's forehead for identification, note the color and any markings on the forehead – stripes, streaks, color patches, bands or other color changes and how any markings connect on the forehead. Also note the slope of the bill compared to the shape of the forehead and whether or not the bill extends in a frontal shield onto the forehead, such as it does on the American coot.
Photo – American Goldfinch © New Jersey Birds
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