It is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is endemic to Vietnam, with a restricted distribution on the Da Lat Plateau. It has also been recorded in central Vietnam on the Kontum Plateau. Its natural habitat is broadleaf evergreen forest, generally near watercourses. It is characterized by a black mask, a warm orange-brown back, streaked white underparts, and a long gray tail with white tips underneath.

It is often seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes mixed with other species. It forages in the canopy, clambering about in search of prey. It inhabits mid-elevation forests, often in wetter areas. It is threatened by habitat loss.