A winter visitor to Cyprus and the Akamas. It comes in very small numbers and is a very localized species, wintering in specific areas, which very few are known in Cyprus.

It is a solitary species, observed in areas with large vertical cliffs and rocky canyons. The way it moves is characteristic, climbing the vertical rocks, every now and then slightly opening and closing its wings, in which it finds its food (small insects, mainly arachnids).

Its flight is very distinctive, wavy and sharp, with short glides, somewhat butterfly-like in style, with its broad rounded wings. Because of the places it lives, it is usually very difficult to be spotted, despite its characteristic coloration. Its size is slightly larger than a sparrow, but with a completely different shape.

It has a somewhat elongated body, a short tail, and a long, slightly downward-curving bill. Its color is very special and unique. In its winter plumage, that is seen in Cyprus, it has a grey head and back, darker (black) wings and a white-tipped tail. The sides of its wings are deep reddish-purple. Underneath it has a white throat and breast that turns grey towards the belly and below.