A small finch of open landscapes, from upland moor and rough grassland to weedy corners in towns. Like many finches, it gathers into flocks in autumn and winter and rarely comes to garden feeders. At first glance it can seem quite plain, but a well-seen male shows a distinctive mix of reddish breast, grey head, and rusty-brown back. The more subdued female is best recognised by her facial pattern, with broad pale crescents above and below the eye and a light cheek patch. Its presence is often given away by a musical twittering song and dry, tinkling calls, frequently heard in flight.

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