Small, remarkably nondescript cisticola. The back can be vaguely streaked in breeding plumage, and is more heavily streaked in non-breeding plumage. There are two bands across the tip of the tail, one buff and one black. Found in a variety of grassy habitats, including savanna, forest edge, woodland openings, and scrub. The song is two or three high notes in a descending series: “tsee-tree-tro.” Also gives a faster, rollicking series of many consecutive notes. Very similar to Rufous Cisticola, but generally has colder and browner coloration, and shows some streaking on the back.