Distinctive and unusual prinia with heavily barred underparts. The mountain-dwelling birds in the eastern part of the range show a dark throat, while in the rest of the range, the throat is barred like the rest of the underparts. Note the white wingbars and spotting under the tail. Skulks in the undergrowth of forest, mostly around clearings and edges. Usually in pairs. The song is a series of mettalic “plink” notes.