Common and widespread in open habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Appears squat with short legs and low-profile body. Adults are mostly sandy-brown with white belly, sometimes with blurry streaks on sides of breast. Look for bold head pattern, especially black mask and chest band. Throat color varies from yellow to white. Namesake horns on head are sometimes visible at close range. Juveniles can be confusing; they are messy-looking, grayish-brown with bold white spots and scallops on the upperparts. Note bill shape to help separate from sparrows or longspurs. Typically seen in flocks, running along the ground in open areas with little to no vegetation. In North America, often in mixed flocks with longspurs, pipits, or Snow Buntings in the winter.