Fairly large grayish-brown sparrow of scrubby, arid hillsides. Look for rufous crown, rufous stripe behind eye, thin white eyering, and white mustache bordered by black. Otherwise plain grayish below with no streaks. Found on or near the ground, especially on dry slopes with scattered shrubs. Often heard before it is seen, so listen for its song, a descending jumble of husky notes. Also gives a nasal call, often in a rapid series. Compare with Oaxaca Sparrow in Mexico.