This large bulky bunting is 16--19 cm long, with similar plumages for the male and female, and lacks the showy male colours, especially on the head, common in the genus "Emberiza".
This large bulky bunting is 16--19 cm long, with a conspicuously dark eye and yellowish mandibles. Males lack any showy colours, especially on the head, which is otherwise typical of genus "Emberiza".