A medium-sized brownish songbird with a conspicuous, diagnostic white mark below the eye. Body is lightly streaked and speckled, and underparts in North Sulawesi show a rufous wash. A montane species, generally preferring higher elevations than Dark-eared Myza, occurring in singles and pairs in the understory of forest and heath, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Larger than Dark-eared Myza, lacking the complete eye-ring of that species. The prominent white patch below the eye is the best identification feature. Often gives calls including an incessant whiny “kit-kit-kit…”.