Gray-brown upperparts with dark streaks on its back. White underparts with a black spot on center of its breast. Bold head pattern. Chestnut-brown crown and cheeks. White eye ring and throat. White-buff crown stripe and supercilium. Black eyeline and malar streak. Long tail with white outer corners. Pinkish legs. Grayish conical bill. Juvenile similar to adult, but has duller colors and a streaked breast. Sexes similar. 5.5-6.5 inches in length.

Grasslands, deserts, and farms.

Nesting

3-5 white eggs with many dark brown and black spots. The eggs have an 11-12 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 9-10 days. The nest is an open cup made from grass, twigs and plant stems. The nest is usually built on or near the ground.