Medium-sized pale-brown bird with a long, spiky tail. Endemic to Madagascar, where it is found in southwestern spiny forest and scrub. Skulks in thick undergrowth. Incessantly given call is a Geiger counter-like ticking. Paler brown than Madagascar Brush-Warbler, with a higher-pitched call and little overlap in range. Similar to Madagascar Swamp-Warbler, but is paler, has less distinct breast streaking and a white eyebrow, and is generally found in scrub or spiny forest rather than marsh.