The bold head pattern, with two dark latral crown stripes framing a crisp central stripe, coupled with the neatly streaked breast band are all characters of Savannah Sparrow - the slightly raised crest feathers is also a typical trait of this species..
How about the bird on the left, did you do anything in PP or is the striking eye-ring real.
With the eye-ring and coarser streaking and more yellowish underparts it looks like a Vesper Sparrow to me.
Thanks Julian,
That info helps ,but do not think I have ever noted the bold head pattern as such before. Also do not remember the breast streaking being as fine as this . Just not as observant as I use to be.
The bird on the left is a Vesper and there lots around but never obtained a great pic.
Chas.
Just reviewed some of my Sav Sparrow pics(they had the distinct yellow eye color and vague stickpin I am use to). Looking closely at the head revealed the striped pattern.
Most of my examples still have more coarse streaking than th Kansas birds ,so there must be a LOT of variation.