Common in expansive open areas with barren or only sparsely vegetated ground such as beaches, plowed fields, and edges of airport runways. Usually in flocks of up to hundreds, often mixed with longspurs or Snow Bunting. Feeds on seeds and insects gleaned from low vegetation or the ground. Size and color reminiscent of sparrows; note short-legged crouching posture, relatively brown plumage, bold face pattern with dark mask, and dark breast-band. In flight, note long wings and short square tail.