A large pipit-like bird with golden-yellow underparts and eyebrow, and a circular broad black necklace emphasizing the yellow throat. The upperparts are subdued streaky brown and the outer tail corners are white, which is a key feature in flight. Pairs occupy grassland and grassy savanna, especially close to water, or when it is flooded. The species often perches up to sing a strongly whistled “chuuu-ew” and variations thereof. The smaller Fülleborn's Longclaw differs from Yellow-throated Longclaw by lacking any streaking on the breast below the black necklace.