Noisy, rummaging, colorful large sparrow. Common in the Eastern US; prefers thick underbrush in forest edges, scrubby areas and thickets. Oversized sparrow with striking black or brown upperparts with orange and white underparts; white tail corners flash in flight. Often heard more than seen; may perch up to sing their “Drink-your-tea” song. Noisily hops and scratches through leaf litter for insects and seeds. Usually a ground nester, with the nest cup sunk into leaf litter. Lifespan up to 12 years. Population ~ 28 million and declining.