A small, relatively drab bee-eater of arid country. Note the blue eyebrow, black face mask, white throat, and buffy underparts. In flight, reveals buffy underwings with black tips. Generally uncommon in dry savanna and thornscrub. Often in pairs. Similar in size to Little Bee-eater, but easily separated by white throat and more washed-out overall coloration. The call consists of quiet whistling notes.