Coloration is similar to the two eastern subspecies, except that most specimens tend to become darker at a younger age.

The remaining eastern, central and northern subspecies retain the horn-colored lower mandible throughout adulthood.

The eastern subspecies P. r. mentalis has darker underparts and a grey-brown eye.

It has a slightly lower-pitched call than that of the eastern subspecies.

The two eastern subspecies are now classified as G. beringei.

Others say these cats are surviving members of the eastern subspecies.

The eastern subspecies P. p. leucotis has whitish cheeks.

The eastern subspecies is increasingly being considered threatened, although not by all:

The eastern subspecies's range extends slightly into east central Alabama, where it intergrades with the southern subspecies.

In the eastern subspecies, adults have dark gray upperparts with lighter heads.