Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

If juvenile birds are included, the population may be between 3,500 and 15,000 individuals.

[1] It is sometimes found in mixed flocks of small insectivores.

[2] This species was originally placed in the genus Monarcha until moved to Symposiachrus in 2009.

Its head, wings, throat, and central tail feathers are dark brown or black; its outer tail feathers, belly, breast, and rump are white.