A nondescript thick-billed, sparrow-sized songbird. Uniform grayish-brown above and paler below, with a white throat and dull pale underparts. Juveniles have pale bills and a faintly streaked breast. Singles, pairs, or family groups can be found in forest, scrub, or mangroves in the lowlands and hills. Confined to the eastern Lesser Sundas. Smaller and notably smaller-billed than female Yellow-throated Whisler, and lacks throat streaking of female Wallacean Whistler. Song consists of loud upslurred whistles increasing in volume, such as “pi-pi-pi-pi-CHWEE” or “doo-doo-doo…DEE.” Also gives “swee” notes.