Brown sparrow with gray head; very similar to Sagebrush Sparrow and once considered the same species. Darker than Sagebrush Sparrow with slightly different face pattern. Look for relatively dark gray head with white eyering, white spot in front of eye, and white mustache bordered by broad black stripe. Flanks brownish with diffuse streaking; belly and breast white. Found in shrubby expanses of sagebrush. Perches conspicuously when singing; otherwise stays low and hidden. Tail often cocked up. In winter, found with Sagebrush Sparrow. Song is a jumble of mechanical, musical notes, faster than Sagebrush Sparrow.