Tiny, active songbird with distinctive black-and-white head pattern. Olive above, white below, with yellow wash on sides and rump and white wingbars; adult male’s vivid red-orange crest especially visible when raised. Inhabits montane coniferous forests and more open, scrubby areas with stunted bushes and evergreen growth. Feeds restlessly on small branches, frequently both gleaning and hovering. Song a somewhat strident series of high-pitched thin “tsi” notes; calls similar to song elements.