Sparrow-sized, with brown upperparts, head and wings, whilst the tail is rufous-brown and the underparts paler. It is found in thick vegetation, with its plumage making it rather unobtrusive, so its makes it presence known by its loud and striking song. Possible the song is the most beautiful of all European songbirds and is often heard at night. It feeds mainly on insects and in the autumn also on small fruit and berries. It breeds in Extremadura, spending the winter in sub-Saharan Africa.