An uncommon, medium-sized honeyeater of upper montane and sub-alpine forest and shrubbery. Dusky-gray body with olive wings, orange legs, black face with two yellow tufts and a white ear spot. Usually forages alone or in pairs unless at flowering trees, where it can be aggressive. Similar to Orange-cheeked Honeyeater, but Black-throated Honeyeater is smaller and has a distinct white ear spot. More often heard than seen. Song, a distinctive, descending and descelerating series of bubbling notes.