A small, chunky robin-like bird. Males are black and white and quite variable, sometimes having a white eyebrow and showing a variable amount of rufous on the underparts. Females are dark brown on the back and pale below, with some rufous on the breast. Found in a wide variety of habitats on the island of Reunion, including humid forest, heath, farms, gardens, montane grassland, and scrub. Most common at middle and high elevations. Perches up conspicuously and often flicks the wings. Distinctive within its restricted range. Song is a quick jumbled mix of high-pitched scratchy notes.