After confirming the species, what is the most productive characteristic for the average enthusiast to determine next?

Answer

Determine the age (adult or immature)

It is much more productive for field identification to first assess the bird's age—whether the stripes are black and white (adult) or brown and tan (immature)—as this distinction is physically clearer than sex differences.

After confirming the species, what is the most productive characteristic for the average enthusiast to determine next?
birdappearancefemaleWhite-Crowned Sparrowmale