This species was first described by Martin Lichtenstein in 1823, as Fringilla lutea, from a specimen collected at Dongola, Sudan.

In particular, they and the Dead Sea sparrow share a courtship display in which males quiver their wings above their body.

[2] The courtship display of the Dead Sea sparrow was thought to have evolved separately in a similar environment from that of these species, in an example of convergent evolution.

Males are distinctive in their bright yellow head and underparts, deep chestnut brown wings and back, and two white wingbars.

In the breeding season the male's plumage is brighter still, and the bill changes colour from horn to shiny black.

[6] About 10 weeks after hatching young males may start to get a yellow wash around the shoulder area.

[8] It is a bird of dry open savanna, semi-desert, arid scrub and cereal cultivation.