Bell's Sparrow Artemisiospiza belli

Brownish sparrow with gray head and white breast with dark central spot. Very similar to Sagebrush Sparrow and once considered the same species. Bell's Sparrow is usually darker and more contrasty overall. Also note Bell's Sparrow's relatively dark and broad mustache stripe and plainer back with only indistinct, thin streaks. Found in shrubby expanses of sagebrush, primarily in California and Baja (more restricted than Sagebrush, essentially only overlapping in winter). Perches up conspicuously when singing; otherwise stays low and hidden. Frequently runs on the ground, often with tail cocked up. Song is a jumble of mechanical, musical notes, faster than Sagebrush Sparrow.