The greyish breast, chestnut wing coverts, and lack of black on the throat differentiate this species from Cinnamon-breasted Bunting.
Juvenile has less definite head markings and duller chestnut wings than adult.
Sandy coastal scrub in the south, and mountainous terrain farther north.
A nasal, ascending three- to four-note 'zzoo-zeh-zee-zee'; a loud chirping song.