Tree Sparrow Crest-Raising

The photo is two separate shots, 2 seconds apart, set side-by-side. In the left, you have your usual American Tree Sparrow, Spizella arborea. In the right, the same bird with a raised crest. I had no idea they could do that... BNA doesn't discuss it.

Not very good photos, but interesting behavior, I thought.

Jim

Interesting behavior and odd that it is not discussed on BNA.

I've seen this crest raising in chipping sparrows too, although I don't know if that is discussed on BNA either.

I had a cockatiel for years and they have feathers on their head which they of course can raise - I wouldn't be surprised if all (or nearly all) birds can do this. I think it isn't noticed too often in song birds that don't have particularly long feathers on their head.

I had a cockatiel for years and they have feathers on their head which they of course can raise - I wouldn't be surprised if all (or nearly all) birds can do this. I think it isn't noticed too often in song birds that don't have particularly long feathers on their head.

Thanks, Jim. Now that you point it out, I think I've seen this in other sparrows. I know I have in house and purple finches. I'll have to keep my eyes open for it.

I have not witnessed this in sparrows, but am not really surprised. I have seen this in a few wood thrushes, both juvies and adults.