[2] Two subspecies are recognised:[3] The eastern black-headed batis is 10 cm (3.9 in) in length and weighs 9.3–13.8 g (0.33–0.49 oz).

The underparts are white with a glossy black breast band, which is dark reddish brown in the females.

[5] The eastern black-headed batis occurs in a wide variety of habitats so long as trees are present.

These vary from arid savannah woodlands through to juniper on the edge of montane evergreen forest, and including parks and gardens.

[5] The eastern black-headed batis' biology is little known, they are seemingly typical batises and live in pairs or small family groups.