It is found in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the naturalist Alexander Whyte, who collected in what is now Malawi.

[2] The bird is 18–20.4 cm (7.1-8.0 inches) long and weighs 51-63 grams (1.8-2.2 ounces).

It is mainly brownish with a large black bill, head, and tail.

The bird has a white malar mark, wings, and tail.