An attractive, long-tailed bird. The breeding male shows a black throat and largely yellow underparts, while the breeding female is paler below and may show some dark on the throat. In all plumages it has a grey head and back, a pale eyebrow, and a bright yellow belly and vent. It is usually found close to running water with rocks or similar structures nearby, from upland streams to weirs in town parks. It moves quietly along the water’s edge or in open ground close by, constantly bobbing its long, white-edged tail. The song is a repeated sequence of high notes, and typical calls include a sharp “pseet” and a buzzier note given in flight.