STATUS: Common.
HABITAT: Inhabits shortgrass plains and prairies (cultivation has reduced breeding habitat.) In winter, tends to congregate on cultivated fields, and along edge areas, fencerows, and roadways.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Shortgrass prairie.
NEST: Builds nest on the ground, usually in a small depression in grass in uncultivated grassland with occasional low ridges and shallow areas. Seems to prefer nest sites in moist areas. In flooded meadows, places nest on an elevated site.
FOOD: Feeds primarily on grass seed and some insects, which are gleaned from the ground. During winter, feeds almost entirely on plant material.
REFERENCES: Forbush and May 1955.