The Rufous-collared Sparrow is found from southeast Mexico south to Tierra del Fuego, the south most tip of South America. There are between 25-29 subspecies of this bird. Variations between the subspecies include size and lightness/darkness of the plumage. Sexes are similar and the dominate feature is the black stripes on a gray head with a white throat. A black line goes through the eye. The body has a rufous collar with black patches, gray/rufous underparts and upperparts are shades of brown.

Diet includes seeds and insects that are garnered on the ground.