This sparrow is recognized by its dark coloring, large bill, and distinct facial pattern. Plain dark brown above, dark gray below, with a black spot on the breast. The belly fades to whitish. The face is dark with a prominent white supercilium, broken white eye ring, white moustachial stripes, and a white throat broadly bordered by black malar stripes. Juvenile is paler overall and lacks the black breast spot and black malar.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 23 (cm)

Voice:

Song consists of a short series of high tinkling notes, a pause, then another series.

Habitat:

Steep brushy hillsides.

Behavior:

When not singing, stays close to the ground in heavy cover.

Feeding:

Forages for insects on or near the ground.