Scarce and local breeder in prairie grassland with bushes and weeds. Secretive and very hard to see. Fairly big with a long bill and relatively long, square-ended tail. General appearance is of an ochre-buff sparrow with white belly, and with isolated streaks across breast. Very similar to HESP in all patterns but is paler, lacks green tones around head, and upperparts are less strongly marked. SAVS common in same habitat, but shape, behavior, and breast streaking pattern are very different. Song: deep clear notes with descending trill.