This small finch uses rocky grassland and scrub. It follows streams in the rainy season and uses places where water remains in the dry season.
The male has a blue-gray bill, red back and gray crown. Females and juveniles have a reddish-brown back; adults and juveniles have broad primaries.
In the rainy season it moves alone, in pairs or in small family groups along streams; in the dry season it uses places where small ponds remain. It also feeds on seeds among rocks.
Near Mora in northern Cameroon, a loose flock of about 20 birds was seen at the foot of rocky hills after sunrise on 12 March 2009.
It gives short trilled calls when keeping in contact with flock members.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.