They weigh between 11.6 and 21 grams with a length of 13-15 centimeters. Although plumage differs between juveniles, males, and females, cinnamon-breasted buntings can be identified by their striped head and cinnamon brown underparts. Males have black and white stripes whereas the female stripes are less dark and browner in color. The throat patch is uniformly black on males but smaller, grayish, and densely blotched on females. Juveniles are similar to females but with buffier head stripes and a paler, browner throat. After the breeding season, juveniles moult partially and adults moult completely so all primaries and secondaries are the same age.
Cinnamon-breasted bunting songs are composed of short, high-pitched, rapid trills. Males are known to have eight distinct songs with 40 discrete syllables. Song similarity decreases with distance between local populations but all end with a characteristic final whistle syllable. Individuals perform songs from elevated positions such as from trees, bushes, or rocks.
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