More information: Evan T Saitta et al, Feather Evolution Following Flight Loss In Crown Group Birds: Relaxed Selection And Developmental Constraints, Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpaf020 ...

One of the most common winter sparrows, the white-crowned typically occurs in flocks, which may involve more than 100 birds ... pishing and raise their crown feathers when agitated.

or when bird is agitated. Black at base of secondaries, contrasting with white wing bar. Adult female: similar to male, no orange in crown. Immature: somewhat pointier tail feathers than adult ...