Large bunting of agricultural fields, meadows, and wetlands; formerly gathered in immense congregations in winter but now rare due to trapping. Breeding male stunning, with a black face, deep chestnut-brown crown, nape, wings, and back, white wingbars, and bright yellow underparts with chestnut breast band. Nonbreeding male is a faded version of this plumage. Female streaky brown above, yellowish with streaks below, with facial pattern reminiscent of Yellow-browed Bunting, but much larger, with a strong yellow wash to the undersides.