An alternative generic name Cincloramphus is derived from Greek words cinclus/κιγκλος "wagtail" and ramphos/ραμφος "beak",[5] while the specific epithet honours Gregory Mathews.

[6][7] The rufous songlark is a medium brown passerine songbird with a pattern of streaks on its feathers.

The bird can be found in grasslands, grassy open woodlands, agricultural areas, and mulga that it favors as a habitat.

In the breeding season the lively, unmistakable song of the male rufous songlark is heard almost continuously.

The distinctive "twitchy tweedle" song of the rufous songlark has been included on CDs of "Favourite Australian Birdsong".