Small drab tit with the typical black-head-white-cheek pattern of most tits. Darker-flanked and with a patchier "bib" than similar Black-bibbed Tit. Found in mid- to high-elevational hill and montane forests, often in areas with pines. Like many other small tits, an active forager, hovering and clambering about on thin branches, sometimes in mixed flocks. Gives a wide range of different vocalizations, including nasal and chipping call notes. Song includes nasal notes and a repeated high “tseep”.