Perky, long-legged songbird that winters in areas with dense understory coverage, often near wet areas; breeds in open taiga and highland forest clearings. Shy, tends to stay hidden. Pale brown above, whitish below, with olive-brown flanks and pale supercilium. Adult male has the namesake jewel-like red throat, bordered in black and white; younger male may have a hint of red, while female lacks red. Often droops wings and cocks tail upright. Variable melodic song consists of beautiful warbling and occasional mimicry; calls include low, hoarse “chuk” and high “chelee.”