Splendid small babbler; apart from a dark-streaked crown and small black mask, this bird is bright golden yellow all over. Inhabits hilly and montane forests with dense undergrowth, as well as bushy second growth. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Song is a distinctive short series of whistles on the same pitch with a slight pause after the first note; quality usually soft and slightly hooting, but occasionally harder and more metallic. Calls include wet, ticking trills and rapidly-repeated fluty whistles.