Frequents open woodlands, grassy and brushy fields, forest edge habitats, and residential areas.

Pink bill, white belly, and white outer tail feathers are the crucial field marks. Wings, back, tail, head, and upper breast coloration varies from gray, to slate-colored, to brown, depending on which subspecies an individual bird represents. Song is similar to Chipping Sparrow.

Nests on the ground, where it builds a cup-shaped structure from grasses, mosses, and other plant material. Diet primarily consists of seeds and insects.