A bushshrike that has two color morphs: an easily identified “buff morph” that has a pink-fawn chest and throat, and an “olive morph” that has an olive crown and yellow-orange underparts. Females are duller than males, with less distinct facial masks. Singles and pairs often join mixed-species flocks in coastal and montane forest, thickets, and dense woodland. The species hops and creeps stealthily in the canopy and mid-canopy, foraging for insects and fruit. It typically sings a distinctive series of 10 to 15 short musical notes, and also gives a strident alarm call and metallic croaking notes.