Family: Emberizidae, New World Sparrows view all from this family

Description ADULT Has mostly unmarked borwnish gray upperparts; flight feathers and tail are darkest. In flight, note white tips to outer tail feathers. Striking head pattern comprises dark crown, white supercilium, dark cheeks, white "mustache," and black throat and chest. Underparts are otherwise grayish white and clean-looking. JUVENILE Recalls adult, but is paler overall, particularly on head; throat is white and chest is streaked.

Dimensions Length: 5 1/4" (13 cm)

Habitat Fairly common summer visitor (mainly May-Aug) to a range of desert habitats with limited vegetation and some bare, open ground.

Observation Tips Easy to see in suitable habitats and sometimes rather indifferent to people.

Range Plains, New England, Southwest, Northwest, Texas, California, Rocky Mountains

Voice Song is a short burst of sweet whistles, ending in a trill; call is a thin, high teep.

Discussion Striking and distinctive sparrow, easily recognized by its extensive black throat and chest. Sometimes forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar.