Small plain bird with thin bill. Upperparts grayish brown with green tinges, underparts yellow. In male, distinct white facial markings extend from above the base of the bill to the chin. In female and juvenile, facial markings indistinct, usually just a light loral patch (above bill). Compare larger Green-backed Honeyeater, with pale eye and dark lores. Inhabits subtropical wet forests, usually edges and surrounding habitats, and mangroves.