This rather plain sparrow appears long-billed, flat-headed, and has a rounded tail. The head shows a finely streaked crown, and an indistinct pale supercilium and dark eye line. The upperparts are gray with steaks of black and brown. Arizona birds are more reddish on the upperparts. The underparts are unmarked buff to pale gray. At close range note the bit of yellow at the bend of the wing. Like other sparrows in this genus, this species has an extended prealternate molt that lasts through the spring and summer.

Length: 15 (cm) Wingspan: 23 (cm)

Voice:

Song consists of high tsip notes, followed by two short trills and a series of notes that accelerate into a fast trill.

Habitat:

Grassland, oak savannah, coastal prairie.

Behavior:

Often near the ground in heavy cover. When flushed, may perch on shrub or fence before dropping back into grass.

Feeding:

Bulk of diet consists of insects taken on the ground. Also eats seeds.