Chunky bunting, found in wetlands with reed beds and scattered bushes; also in farmland and other open areas with bushes and hedges. In the spring and summer, male gives his halting song from a prominent perch, showing off distinctive black-and-white head pattern (pattern muted in winter). Female streaky overall, much like other buntings, with boldly striped head. Compare with very similar Pallas’s Bunting, note rusty shoulders, thicker and more conical bill, dark brownish rump. White outer tail feathers often show in flight. Calls include a quiet, mellow “tsew” and buzzy notes.