A fairly common sparrow that breeds in swamps, its rattled trill a familiar sound. In winter, found in weedy fields, brush, and other dense vegetation. Usually secretive, walks on the ground or hangs from plants. Its tail is often cocked. Short-winged. When flushed, has a weak flight with rounded wings and spiked tail dragged behind. Chip call note like EAPH. ID: A really plump sparrow that looks neckless. The tail is fairly short and seems too narrow.; and when spread, noticeably in flight, is rounded with spiked tips. Bold rufous wings are the most prominent feature in all plumages. All plumages have a capped appearance, flared black eyeline with bold gray supercilium and hindneck bordering ear coverts. Underparts usually gray with brown flanks. Ad br: rufous cap with clean gray ear coverts and breast. Nonbr: brown ear coverts and flanks; gray crown stripe and streaked cap. 1st-w: as nonbr with little or no rufous in crown, duller overall but with more breast streaking.