Distinctive, dark grassquit. Two subspecies have been recorded in North America, T. o. pusillus (mainland) and T. o. olivaceus (Caribbean.) Mainland adult male has a dark-brown head with black face and edges of throat. Bright yellow supercilium and throat. Extensive black breast. Dark olive-brown body, wings and short, dark olive-brown tail. Mainland adult female is similar to male, but paler, with less yellow on supercilium and throat. Breast, sides of throat and face are dark olive-brown like rest of plumage, not black. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Caribbean male is much like pusilla, but black on underparts is limited to the bib and upper breast. Pale black, short thick bill. Dark eye. Gray legs.

Length: 11 (cm) Wingspan: (cm)

Habitat:

Weedy and grassy, shrubby areas and thickets. Tropical deforestation may be benefiting this species.

Behavior:

Forages on the ground.

Feeding:

Diet consists of grass seeds.