A pretty wheatear of arid zones. Its long bill and elongated tail and wings give it an elegant silhouette. Diagnostically, in all plumages lacks a black terminal tail band, a feature shared only with the very black White-crowned Wheatear. The male has a crisp white cap and an extensive black throat extending down to the breast. Females are pale sandy-brown overall. Song is a complex mix of chats and whistles. Breeds in rocky desert mountains, canyons, and plains. Generally a resident, but in winter may move locally to desert valleys.