The geographic distribution of the non-migratory Gray-headed Chickadee (Poecile cinctus) straddles the continents of North America and Eurasia. Morphological variation in this species has been poorly studied, particularly regarding differences between Nearctic and adjacent Palearctic populations (subspecies lathami and cinctus, respectively). To evaluate geographic patterns of morphological variation between lathami and cinctus, we measured 24 variables related to coloration and structure on 24 museum specimens. We found statistically significant average differences between specimens of lathami and cinctus in three plumage areas and three measures of bill size. Genetic analysis is needed to further quantify divergence in lathami.

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