Rather large and powerful-looking for a wheatear. Sexes similar. Differs from Pied and Eastern Black-eared Wheatears by stronger bill, short wings, prominent white tail flash (visible only in flight), and and evenly broad black terminal tail band. Undertail coverts always buff or rusty. Feeds on arthropods on rocky slopes and in desert wadis; in winter descends to plains and valleys. Male sings a soft, flutey, and musical verse from a prominent rock or in flight.