Breeding birds are striking with black, crested head and broad, thick white eyebrow and moustache. Cheeks on males black; females have rufous cheeks and a paler rear crown. Can be easily confused with Reed Bunting in winter but note pink bill and white ear patch. Breeds in the boreal zone in lowland deciduous forest with spruce, birch, and willow, and in dense flooded pine forests. Call a short "zit." Soft melodic song often heard through the night.