The head and upper body are grayish-brown, often with streaks on the face and eyebrows.

The head and upper body are grayish-brown, often with streaks on the face and eyebrows. The cap and neck are whitish-streaked. The chest and belly are striped brown. Tail like an adult. The final color of the plumage is determined after the first molt.
Birds that live in southern Mexico have paler gray plumage, as well as pale tail stripes. The chest is rather spotty. Red spots on primary feathers are more distinct.