Ebony head and snowy throat, combined with the hazy mixture of bright orange and black on the back, give this bird a distinctly “tortoiseshell” appearance. Appears larger-headed and slightly shorter-tailed than other sibias. Inhabits foothill and montane forests, where it travels in pairs and flocks through the canopy. Unlike other sibias, frequently clambers around on tree trunks and branches like a nuthatch. Listen for its lovely warbled song and buzzy chattering calls.