Sometimes the best field mark is no field mark. This certainly applies to this slim sparrow of the sagebrush flats. Upperparts are light brown with dark streaks on the back and blurry streaks on the rump. The head shows a finely streaked crown that usually lacks a pale central crown stripe, and a faint border around the auriculars. Note the white eye ring, pale lores, and very small pale bill. Underparts are very pale gray with a buffy wash on the sides. The northern subspecies ("Timberline" Sparrow) is darker overall with more pronounced facial markings, grayer nape, and longer darker bill, more closely resembling Clay-colored Sparrow. Juvenile Brewer's Sparrows are heavily streaked on the breast, sides, and sides of the neck.

Length: 12 (cm) Wingspan: 20 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a long descending series of buzzes, trills, and high whistles.

Habitat:

Found almost anywhere with shrub-steppe vegetation, particularly sagebrush; includes treeless high desert habitats and semi-open juniper and pine forests with brushy understory. Timberline Sparrow nests above treeline and in high valleys.

Behavior:

Like other desert sparrows, will pioneer non-traditional habitats during drought years.

Feeding:

Gleans insects from shrubs. Takes seeds from the ground.