Medium-sized babbler with a slightly decurved yellow bill. Somewhat similar in appearance to Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, but has a clean white breast instead of a marked one. Usually forages low in the undergrowth, at middle levels, or on the ground, often in mixed flocks with other babblers and laughingthrushes. Found from the upper lowlands up into mountainous regions, where it inhabits forests with dense undergrowth, as well as shrubby edges and grassy areas. Repertoire is vast and includes whoops, rattles, and hooting. As with other scimitar-babblers, pairs duet with one another.