A medium-sized, crested bird of both hilly and lowland forests. Brownish above and white below, with a white throat and brown cheeks. A gregarious species, frequently seen foraging at lower and middle levels in both single-species and mixed flocks. Chatters loudly when flocking, and also gives a series of sweet-sounding two-note calls. In far southwestern China and northeastern India, it is replaced by the extremely similar Striated Yuhina, which has richer, more extensive rufous on the nape and cheeks.