[2] This non-migratory chat is resident in mountainous and rocky habitats in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and southernmost Angola.

The male is very variable in plumage, although the tail pattern and a white shoulder patch are always present.

The body plumage varies from pale grey to almost black, and it may or may not have a white crown to the head.

The mountain chat's song is a clear melodic whistle interspersed with harsh chatters.

Molecular phylogenetic studies published in 2010 and 2012 found that the species was not closely related to the other members of Oenanthe and instead was genetically similar to the chats in the genus Myrmecocichla.