The plumage of the nominate is dominated by a rich buff head, upper wing coverts, flanks, rump and tail.

[2] P. f. chayulensis has a paler belly than the nominate, P. f. albifacies has a darker stripe above the eye, and P. f. cyanophrys has a blue-grey eyestripe and brighter plumage overall.

[2] The fulvous parrotbill feeds on the buds of bamboo and birches, as well as tiny seeds and insects.

In order to aid the digestion of their food they will swallow grit to act as a gizzard stone.

[2] The nests of the fulvous parrotbill are bowl-shaped and built by both parents from bamboo leaves, rootlets and mosses.