Small active warbler of the forest understory. Olive above and dull yellowish below, with bold face pattern: black and buff stripes with mostly dark cheek and a pale crescent under each eye. Some populations are brighter yellow below. Face pattern separates from other understory warblers. Sexes alike. Usually in pairs or small groups, often following a mixed-species flock. Not particularly shy. Mostly a foothill species, found from around 1,000–2,000 m, but can range higher or lower. Listen for energetic song, an accelerating jumble of sputtering notes.