This sparrow ranges from Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica. It is recorded in shrubby secondary woodland, forest edges, and pine or oak woodland.
The account describes a rusty-brown crest, a white eye-ring, a grayish face and chest, whitish throat and belly, and cinnamon-colored undertail.
The account describes birds alone or in pairs, often near roads and woodland edges. It says nests are placed on the ground in grass or earthen banks.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.