Tiny brown bird that often holds its short little tail cocked up. Often sings from a fairly exposed perch, but at other times rather mouselike, creeping in brambles and understory. As such, can be quite inconspicuous. Favors wooded areas with a dense understory, as well as gardens, hedges in farmland, heathland, and coastal cliffs. Heard much more than seen: song is loud, bright, and musical, a varied series of trills and ringing warbles, repeated. Chipping calls can also give away its presence.