Field Marks: 6.75 in. A large sparrow with erect posture, common in boreal forests and edges, thickets, and bogs; in migration and winter also occurs in deciduous woods, brushy areas, and gardens. Usually feeds on ground, primarily on seeds. Often flocks in winter. Adults primarily brown above, with streaked back and two white wing bars; crown striped with black and white or brown and tan; lores usually yellow; throat distinctly white; cheeks and breast gray; belly whitish; bill dark. Immatures usually have crown streaked with brown and tan (sometimes white); duller throat; may lack yellow lores; breast may be finely streaked. Song usually of two clear whistles followed by three triplet whistles; often rendered as "Old Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody" or "Oh Sweet Canada Canada Canada"; easily imitated.
Range: Breeds from s. Yukon east to Newfoundland and south to central Michigan, n. Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Winters from n. California to s. New Mexico: and e. Kansas to Massachusetts, south to central Texas and central Florida.
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