Alternate adult male has triangular black patch or V on yellow breast, white throat, white supercilium and malar stripe tinged yellow on face, gray head and nape, large conical bill, streaked back, reddish shoulders, brown wings, plain grayish to white on flanks and belly, white undertail coverts, gray rump, and short brown tail. Female lacks black on breast; otherwise resembles male with faded plumage. Immatures are generally buffy to buffy yellow below with streaking on the breast and upper flanks, and a weaker face pattern.

Length: 16 (cm) Wingspan: 25 (cm)

Voice:

Two notes followed by buzzy phrase that sounds like its name, dick, dick cizzle. Call is a short, dry brrzzzt.

Habitat:

Plains, grassy fields, prairie, weedy agricultural land.

Behavior:

Males sing from exposed perches. Nest is a cup of grasses, leaves, and fine stems low in a small shrub. Forms large flocks in migration and winter.

Feeding:

Forages primarily on ground; eats seeds, grains, and insects.