This species is placed in the genus Oenanthe that was introduced by the French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot in 1816.

[5] The specific monacha is from late latin "monachus", monk; meaning hooded.

[6] Its English name has nothing to do with wheat or with ear, but is an altered (perhaps bowdlerised) form of white-arse, which refers to its prominent white rump.

The white crown and belly contrast with the black face, back and throat.

The tail pattern is similar to the male's, but the ground colour is buff rather than white.