In describing this species, Gould referred to the notes on Indian birds by Captain W.J.E. Boys, (which are now in the Blacker-Wood Library, Montreal), who wrote, 'Shot several specimens on the road to Sukkur [Sind, Pakistan], at a place called Mhuta-jeedo, and met with others at nearly every stage lower down towards Sukkur. The bird affects old walls, sits upon the top of any raised place, and pounces on flying insects as they pass.'
The birds are depicted lifesize.
DISTRIBUTION: South-central Eurasia from northeastern and southeastern Iran and Transcaspia east to Tadzhikstan, east to Afghanistan and western and northern Pakistan. Winters south to southern Iran, eastern Arabia and central India. In Gould's time these birds were considered to be a separate species but they are now thought to be merely a distinct and genetically determined colour variant (a morph) of the Eastern Pied Wheatear