Bird Description

Fairly common breeder in grassland, long or short, but usually away from shrubs. In winter prefers drier bare areas than many other sparrows. Usually feeds on the ground, sometimes in small groups. Commonly sings from barbed wire fences, a long rich jumble of notes descending at the end. Seems to walk with feet back and chest thrust forward. ID: Large and particularly fat with a large head and fairly short tail. A real chunker! Often seen in flight first when its white outer tail feathers and heavy body really stand out. Distinctive head pattern is highlighted by bold eyering, large bill, and pale-centered dark ear coverts. Rufous lesser coverts not usually visible. Color and amount of streaking highly variable so focus on the above.