This species is an uncommon resident of mixed grass prairie. Appears flat-headed and large-billed. The short tail is square or slightly notched. The central crown stripe and supercilium are ochre, fading to buffy on the rest of the face. The eye line and moustachial stripe are broken or missing near the eye but dark at the rear, creating dark spots near the back of the auricular area. There is a prominent dark stripe at the edge of the throat. A necklace of dark streaks over a pale buff background cover the upper breast. Dark streaks extend down the sides. The belly is whitish. The nape is buffy with fine dark streaks. Upperparts are blackish with chestnut and buffy feather edges, often forming a scaly pattern.

Length: 12 (cm) Wingspan: 22 (cm)

Voice:

Song consists of several clear introductory notes followed by a trill; much more musical, less buzzy, than other Ammodramus sparrows.

Habitat:

Tall grasses interspersed with occasional shrubs and patches of bare ground.

Behavior:

Males will perch out in the open when singing, but this species is more often very shy. When flushed, will fly a very short distance before dropping into tall grass and running along the ground.

Feeding:

Feeds on insects and seeds on or near the ground.