The grey-cheeked fulvetta is part of a species complex and the nominate morrisonia is now restricted to endemic Taiwan birds, with the David's fulvetta (Alcippe davidi), Huet's fulvetta (Alcippe hueti) and Yunnan fulvetta (Alcippe fratercula) now recognised as a separate species.
[3] It is found in evergreen mountain forests.
This 15-cm long bird has a grey head with a white eye ring and a long black eye stripe running from the bill down the sides of the neck.
The upperparts are olive and the underparts are yellow.
It will readily join mixed-species feeding flocks.