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This northern species is a winter visitor to the continental United States. Unlike northern finches such as Pine Siskins and crossbills, its numbers seem to depend on weather, not on the food supply -- the birds are
less numerous in mild winters. These birds can tolerate subzero temperatures if they get sufficient calories from their seed diet; thus they are able to winter in open country where snow does not entirely cover the
weeds and grasses. They are more commonly seen in brushy pastures at the edges of fields and woods. They roam the snow-covered landscape in flocks, uttering tinkling calls and often visiting feeders.
description
5 1/2-6 1/2" (14-17 cm). Gray head with rufous crown and ear stripe; streaked brown above; 2 prominent wing bars; plain gray below, with dark spot in center of breast. Similar to Field Sparrow, but larger and without white eye ring or pink bill.
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