A typical sparrow-lark in which males are colorful and well-marked, and females rather drab. The male has variable black and chestnut markings on the face surrounding a bright white cheek that continues as a stripe down the side. Females are plain, but show a rufous eyebrow and a black mark on the belly. Found in dry and open habitats including desert, grassland, and savanna, usually in flocks. Details of the plumage always distinguish males, but females can be tricky; they are most similar to female Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark, but have very little overlap in range. The call, frequently given in flight, is a simple chirping.