This sparrow is locally distributed in inland southwestern Mexico. It moves in pairs or small groups through dry scrub on slopes and in valleys.
The head and breast are black, a white moustache-like line runs from the cheek toward the throat, and the back is cinnamon-brown.
It occurs in pairs or small groups in dry scrub on slopes and in valleys. It is shy, forages low or near the ground, and may sing from the top of a shrub.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.