Fairly small, compact, gray-and-orange bird. Bolder color pattern and gray cheek patch help distinguish it from similar species in its range. Found in dense secondary growth, especially in bamboo thickets. Forages slowly in the under- and midstory, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks, especially to follow army ants. Fairly quiet and unobtrusive, and usually found singly or in pairs. Its song is an even-paced series of rising whistles.