A very small, dark grayish-brown bird with a short tail, a reddish-brown throat, and a black-and-white scalloped pattern on the belly. Inconspicuously feeds in low, thick vegetation, where it is very hard to see. Similar to Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, but Mishmi Wren-Babbler is darker overall, with a distinctive white chin and a white edge to the throat. The song is a strong, melodic burst of notes repeated 2-4 times and often followed by a short trill.