A secretive little sparrow with a small bill, short pointed tail, and buffy-orange face. Crown is blackish with white median stripe. Buffy-orange supercilium and malar areas surround gray auriculars. Blackish line behind eye. The nape is gray with fine chestnut streaks. Upperparts boldly striped dark brown and buff. Tertials are edged whitish. Upper breast and sides buffy with fine dark streaks. Belly is white.

Length: 11 (cm) Wingspan: 17 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a raspy hissing: tst-tzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt.

Habitat:

Wet fields, bogs, marsh edges.

Behavior:

Secretive. Forms small flocks in migration.

Feeding:

Primarily seeds, some insects. Forages on or near the ground.