This species shows tremendous variation across the continent, with taxonomists recognizing anywhere from 24 to 52 subspecies. In all plumages, note long rounded tail, streaked upperparts, streaks on underparts usually coalescing into a central spot, dark crown, grayish face with whitish or buffy malar stripe, dark eye stripe, and dark lateral throat stripe. On most races, the belly is whitish, with streaks ranging from pale rufous to brown to blackish. Northwest populations have dusky upper breasts with blurry brown streaks. Juveniles similar to adults, but with finer streaking on underparts.

Length: 15 (cm) Wingspan: 21 (cm)

Voice:

Song starts with two or three clear introductory notes, followed by a trill and several jumbled notes. Call is a loud nasal "jeep." Alarmed adults give a high thin "tseet" when their nest or young are threatened.

Habitat:

Open woodlands, woodland edge, riparian corridors, marshes, hedgerows.

Behavior:

Highly responsive to pishing; often the first species to pop into view.

Feeding:

Feeds primarily on insects during nesting season, supplemented by seeds and fruit at other times. Forages on the ground, in foliage, and in shallow water.