Sagebrush Sparrow Artemisiospiza nevadensis

Pale, subtly-patterned sparrow. Sandy-brown overall with gray head and whitish breast with dark central spotting. Very similar to Bell’s Sparrow and once considered the same species. Sagebrush Sparrow is usually paler and less contrasty overall. Also look for Sagebrush's relatively indistinct and narrow dark mustache stripe and distinct dark streaks on pale brown back. Found in shrubby expanses of sagebrush in western North America (more extensive range than Bell’s, 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, slower than Bell's Sparrow.