This large long-tailed sparrow of open habitats is quickly recognized by its white outer tail feathers, visible in flight. The upperparts are gray-brown with dark streaks and two indistinct pale wing bars. The lesser wing coverts form a chestnut patch on the shoulder, but this mark is often hidden. A white eye ring gives this bird a wide-eyed look. The auricular patch is pale with a dark edge, and is surrounded by whitish. The whitish throat is framed by blackish malar stripes. Underparts are cream-colored with dark streaks on the breast and sides. Juvenile is paler overall, with fine streaking on the neck and breast.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 25 (cm)

Voice:

Song begins with slow, slurred notes, accelerating to warbling trills: here here here here weet-weet weedle-eedle-eedle-eedle-eedle.

Habitat:

Pastures, farm fields, grasslands, sage steppe.

Behavior:

Vesper Sparrows sing throughout the day, into the evening. When disturbed at the nest, adults will feign injury to lead predators away.

Feeding:

Forages for insects and seeds on or close to the ground.