A sparrow of western North America, it breeds in the north during summer and winters along the Pacific Coast.
Breeding adults show a bright yellow forehead and black crown, with brown streaks on the back. In winter the black areas turn brown and the bird looks duller overall.
It searches for seeds and insects on the ground and among low vegetation. During migration and winter it may form loose flocks with other birds.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.