An unusual small sparrow of dry country. Males have a yellow head and underparts and a chestnut back. Females are much plainer, sandy brown on the back and pale below with a yellow wash. Found in dry thorn savanna, thorn scrub, and semi-desert. Nests colonially, and usually found in flocks, sometimes large, and sometimes mixed with other bird species. Similar to Arabian Golden Sparrow, but almost does not overlap in range. Male is separated by his chestnut back, and females by being duller and less yellow. The common calls include chirps and chatters.