This is a fairly stocky sparrow with a long rounded tail. Two subspecies groups occur in North America. Interior poplulations: Upperparts are gray-brown with chestnut streaks. The underparts are pale gray with whitish throat and belly. The head is gray with a dark rusty crown and stripe behind the eye, white above the lores, a white submoustachial stripe bordered below by a blackish malar stripe, and white eye ring. California populations: Slightly smaller, browner overall with darker streaks on the back and less contrast in the facial pattern. Juvenile has a dull brown crown, streaking on the breast and sides, and an indistinct malar stripe.

Length: 13 (cm) Wingspan: 23 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a slow chatter, descending in pitch. Call is a nasal descending deer.

Habitat:

Dry rocky hillsides with scattered brush or trees.

Behavior:

Males sing from exposed perches, but this species spends most of its time on or near the ground. Found singly or in pairs, or in a family group. This species does not form flocks.

Feeding:

Forages for insects and seeds on the ground and in low vegetation.