This sparrow winters farther north than most other species, and frequents bird feeders. It appears long and slender, with a long notched tail and short bill. The upper mandible is blackish, while the lower mandible is yellow. Upperparts are streaked with black, brown and buffy, with two crisp white wing bars. The rufous crown and eye line stand out from the plain gray face and nape. The underparts are dull whitish to pale gray, with a rufous patch at the sides of the upper breast, buffy sides, and an isolated dark spot in the middle of the breast (stickpin). Juveniles have streaks on the face, breast, and sides.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 25 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a sharp high tink. Song begins with two or three clear notes followed by a descending series of warbles.

Habitat:

Open areas with scattered shrubs, hedgerows, marshes, residential areas.

Behavior:

Feeding:

Forages for seeds, berries, and insects, usually on or close to the ground.