Small tanager with gray body and chestnut head. Underparts paler than upperparts, and belly white. Female similar to male but with paler throat. Very active foraging for insects, often in pairs, small groups, or in mixed-species flocks in the canopy or lower in the forest border. Locally common in humid forests and second growth woodland in foothills. Vocalizations are accelerating sharp kiss-like notes. No similar species in range.