All plumages differs from Reed Bunting, and most other buntings by; white belly, pale cheek-patch, flanks coarsely spotted in rufous red, rufous rump with no streaking, pale pinkish legs and lower mandible. Summer plumage male easily recognized by boldly rufous breast and contrasting black and white head pattern. Young male resembles females, and may breed before adult plumage is fully developed. Posture often erect when moving around on the ground. Crown feathers often erect. Flight pattern light and fluttering, and more even than in Reed Bunting.

Contact call a short "zick", like Little Bunting, but slightly sharper. Song distinct and melodic: A soft, fluting phrase in an undulating rhythm. Integrated in the flute-like tones are high-pitched, dunnock-like bi-notes, especially towards the end of each phrase.

Song:

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CC-photo:Aaron Maizlish, Licence,Link.