[3] It occurs in a wide range of open habitats, including open woodlands and human habitation, often occupying the same niche as the house sparrow does in Eurasia.

[4] The adult northern grey-headed sparrow has a pale grey head with a white moustache stripe, pale brown upperparts, whitish underparts and chestnut wings with a small white shoulder patch.

The sexes are similar, but young birds are slightly duller and lack the white wing patch.

There are three subspecies, differing in plumage tone, especially with regard to the darkness of the head.

[4] This species feeds principally on seeds and grain, like other sparrows, but will readily take insects including termites, especially when feeding young.