This species is found in the canopy and at the edges of wet, epiphyte-draped mountain forests, especially near streams or clearings.

The underparts are yellow and the throat is white with dark stripes down each side which distinguish it from similar species like social or gray-capped flycatchers.

Young birds have paler yellow underparts, browner upperparts, no crown stripe, and more obvious chestnut fringes to the wing and tail feathers.

The call of the golden-bellied flycatcher is a squeaky seeeik and the dawn song is a melodious repeated tre-le-loo.

Golden-bellied flycatchers typically perch on a high watchpoint from which to sally forth and catch flying insects, but they eat a range other food items, including berries.