Small rusty-brown bird with finely streaked plumage and long cocked tail, found in rocky areas and gorges with spinifex clumps in the Mount Isa region of northwestern Queensland. Upperparts dark gray-brown, underparts rich gray, adult female with rich reddish-brown flanks, male with gray flanks. Usually seen scampering around on the ground on rocky ledges and among boulders. Much more solidly built than fairywrens, and with fine white streaks on head and chest.