A rare and declining medium-sized bunting that is found only in shrubby, sandy areas between steppelands and deciduous woodlands. Both sexes have a simple yet elegant head pattern that somewhat resembles that of Meadow Bunting, but Rufous-backed Bunting is considerably paler with a gray instead of dark brown-black cheek patch. Male is warm rufous-brown above and has a unique dark patch on the belly. Females are similarly colored, but are overall a colder brown and have a spotty necklace across the breast instead of a belly patch.