A mostly grayish, buff-bellied mousebird with a long tail, black-tipped silvery bill, and back with diagnostic white patch flanked by two dark stripes. Small groups inhabit coastal shrublands, farms, and semi-desert; prefers drier areas. A cooperative breeder; chicks from the prior year will remain with parents and help feed and protect the new brood. Sings a melancholic “cheee-wee-wee-wiit”; also produces a distinctive series of buzzes and clicks.