The pale blue or white forehead, crown and nape of the male are diagnostic. Birds in the east ([F2]pretoriae[/F2]) are considered by some as a distinct species, Transvaal Rock-thrush. They have darker heads and females have heavily spotted throat and breast.
Female has a large white throat patch streaked with brown, and a rufous breast and belly. Juvenile is spotted with buff on the upperparts and with black below.
Wooded koppies and rocky slopes.
A thin 'tseeep' song of whistled phrases like those of other rock thrushes, includes mimicry.