In all plumages, both sexes of this species are distinguishable from Whinchat as neither shows a conspicuous pale eyebrow stripe.
Male is unmistakable with its black head, the white on the neck, wing and rump, and its rufous breast. Female is duller but retains the white in the wings and has a buff rump. Juvenile is mottled with dark above and is paler below than adult.
Upland grassland and open, treeless areas with short scrub; also wetland areas of Namibia.
A 'weet-weet' followed by a harsh 'chak'.