Brown-Crested Titmouse

While chasing the Olive Sparrow at South Llano River State Park today, we saw many Black-Crested Titmice. One, however, had a strangely colored crest. The upper half of the crest was not black but a rich chocolate color. This is not the normal hybrid pattern for Tufted x Black-crested which has a dark gray crest and a chestnut forehead. This bi-toned crest is something I have never seen or heard described. After doing an internet search, Danielle did find this post on TexBirds.

Danielle posted a similar question on TexBirds. To date, the replies have suggested that it is some alternate form of hybridization.