The only pipit in the region to show an all-yellow throat and breast. The upperparts are heavily scaled and are similar to those of a longclaw. In flight, the yellow underparts and underwing coverts are diagnostic. lacks the broad yellow eyebrow stripe and black breast band of golden pipit, but the two are very unlikely to be encountered in the same habitat. In non-breeding plumage it lacks the yellow underparts and is identified by its boldly scaled upperparts and plain, buff underparts, lightly streaked on the breast.
Juvenile is buff below and paler above than adult.
Short, dense grassland at altitudes above 1500 m.
A rapid, repeated 'chip, chip, chip', like the call of a displaying male long-tailed widowbird.