The broad, whitish eyebrow stripe is the most distinctive feature. Distinguished from white-throated canary by its finely streaked, grey and white crown and by the brown-streaked, not plain greenish yellow rump. Differs from black-eared seed-eater in lacking the streaked breast and distinct black ear patches.
Juvenile resembles adult but is heavily streaked with brown below.
Mixed woodland and scrubs.
A soft, weak 'trrreet', and a short song.