Flashy gray sparrow. One of the most common North American birds. Summers in forests in Canada and Rockies; winters throughout the US in woodlands, fields, roadsides and backyards. Often in flocks, hopping on ground. Medium-sized sparrow with dark gray or brown upperparts and pale below; pink bill; flashes white outer-tail feathers in flight; diverse appearance, with 15 races, 6 of them separable in the field. Seedeater, with some insects during breeding season. Usually nests on ground. Lifespan up to 11 years. Population ~ 630 million and declining.