A large robin-chat with fiery underparts and an all-dark face that lacks a white eyebrow. Pairs inhabit lowland and montane forest, forest edges, and well wooded gardens up to 1700 meters of elevation. Some individuals move from high-altitude forests to lower forests between April and September when they are not breeding. The species forages secretively on the forest floor and is often detected by its vocalizations, a plaintive “toy-toy” call or a rich melodious song incorporating incredible imitations of many bird species, dogs barking, human whistles, tree frog calls, locomotives, and car alarms. Territorial displays are given from high in the canopy.