Bird Description

Common and widespread. Many populations exist here, and throughout the world, with poorly understood variation. Breeds on prairies, short grass, dirt fields, airports, and tundra. In winter, forms large flocks, sometimes joining longspurs and SNBU. Feeds on roadsides and snow-laden arable lands, moving s. in bad weather. Stands hunched with legs bent, the walk more of a shuffle. Sings a lot, sometimes at night, a couple of notes followed by a sound like jangling of keys. Call a somewhat pipit-like 'see-tew.' ID: Holds body horizontal, and is long-winged and slim with small head. All birds (except juvs) have dark breast bands, mustaches, and devil-like horns. Underparts are primarily white, often with yellow on the face. Upperparts are lighter, usually with a pinker rump and nape. Ad ?: boldly marked. Ad ?: subdued pattern of ? with more uniform upperparts. Juv: scaly patterned, and can be confusingly different from older birds. E. and n. populations generally with more breast streaking than those in interior.