Adults are unmistakable large warblers. Dark gray above with strong white wingbars, contrasting with pale, strongly barred breast. Pale tail corners prominent in flight. Juveniles are pale, with only hint of barring on the flanks and rump. Often sings its loud and melodic song from an exposed perch. Call is a rattling "arrr-at-at-at-at." Breeds in open habitats with tall bushes and scattered trees. Non-breeding habitat in Africa is similar: open woodlands and savannas.