Continentally widespread year round. Winters in the deep south, summers and nest in Canada.

Numerous in open areas with little of no vegetation, dirt pastures or short grass fields, shores, graveled areas. Winters in flocks, often with longspurs and snow buntings.

Brown above and gray below. Horns of this bird are small black tufts of feathers and are only visible at close range. Black and yellow face pattern with black chest markings, white margins on black tail. Back is gray or reddish brown streaked with dark brown and pale under parts with the amount of yellow below varying according to region.

Female duller.