A unique passerine that resembles a sparrow, finch, or lark, elongated and neat looking. Very plain overall with pale sandy-gray plumage, two rather prominent whitish wingbars, and a long conical bill. Breeds in semi-arid rocky hills and mountains, often nomadic. During migration found in a variety of open and arid habitats. Song is a distinctive cicada-like "Zzzziiiiiiiii… zzzziiiiiiiii…," given from a prominent low perch such as a bush, rock, or low tree.