In shape, this Pied bush-chat resembles the Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), but in terms of plumage there are no similarities. The male is jet black with a white underbelly and usually a white wing band. On this individual, the transition between black and white is gradual and gives a watered impression. In other males (subspecies or adults?) the black goes further down the rump. The females are brown-grey with a rust-colored upper bill. However, the tail is black like that of the male. Just like this individual, the Pied bush-chat usually perches on a fairly low stump or post and hunts insects on the ground.