A rare and little known, medium-sized bird of montane forests. Overall olive-green plumage with a longish tail which is often held cocked. Male has a black throat and chest with a white moustache stripe. Usually in pairs and very skulking. Similar to female Fan-tailed Berrypecker, but Papuan Whipbird lacks the paler belly, white in the tail, side streak and pale around the base of the bill. Voice, a rising whistle similar to a jewel-babbler, and a quiet scolding note.