Male is easily recognised by its grey crown and rump, reddish brown back, black throat and white cheeks. It may be distinguished from larger Great Sparrow by having overall duller plumage and having a grey, not bright chestnut rump.
Female and juvenile are a dull grey-brown and show a narrow off-white eye-stripe that differentiates them from adult and juvenile Yellow-throated Petronia.
Towns, cities and gardens; rarely away from human habitation.
Various chirps, chips and a 'chissick'.