A fairly common sparrow in overgrown fields with bushes. Gives familiar song in these habitats: long clear notes accelerating like a bouncing ball, repeated at different pitches. Weak ‘tsee’ call note. Sits on brambles and bushes but can then disappear for long periods. In winter, and on migration, forms flocks, sometimes with other species but most often not. Feeds on seed heads, and spends more time on the ground in winter. ID: A slim, long-tailed sparrow, though can look chunky at times. Plain-faced look emphasized by bold eyering and pale lores. Unstreaked underparts. Overall color usually appears buff but some birds are grayer. Lacks strong contrast of ATSP and CHSP. If in doubt, always look for the all-pink bill.