Small, pale, streaky bird with long cocked tail, a floodplain specialist with a highly restricted range. In dry years, it stays almost exclusively in habitat dominated by thick Lignum shrub (distinctive tangled floodplain shrub). In wetter years, it ventures into surrounding habitats. Upperparts pale brown, underparts pale with buff wash on belly; fine black-and-white streaking on the breast and head. In addition to black eyeline, there is a bridlelike black "Y" shape on cheek and chin. Unlikely to be seen without deliberate, specific search. Call is a high-pitched, metallic twittering.