(noun) A marking on a bird's face that extends from the base of the bill to the side of the neck, usually in a downwards and backwards direction. The thickness, shape, length and color of the stripe can vary, and it may be sharply defined, blurry or broken. On some birds, the malar stripe is a distinct mark, while on other species it may be the border between contrasting colors on the cheek, neck, chin and throat.
The malar stripe can be a key field mark for bird identification when compared to other head markings and the bird's overall plumage. On some species, the malar stripe can also help identify birds by gender. Male northern flickers, for example, have malar stripes while females do not, and on pileated woodpeckers, the male's malar strip is crimson while the female's is black. In addition to woodpeckers, other species that have prominent malar stripes include many falcons, brown thrushes and sparrows, though these stripes can be found in at least some birds in most bird families.
Photo – Northern Flicker © Joan Gellatly
MAY-lerr STREYEP
Mustache, Whisker, Malar Streak, Moustachial Stripe
