A medium-sized arboreal bushshrike that is dark gray or black above with a white eyebrow and white underparts, sometimes with a buffy breast. Prefers disturbed and forest edge habitats with large trees, where it forages deliberately in the foliage. Often in pairs, sometimes accompanying larger species of bushshrike. Gives a rising chatter with a descending whistle at the end, as well as other chatter notes and whistles.