Similar to Apo and Tboli Sunbirds, but Gray-hooded has a white upper belly.

Birds in breeding condition with enlarged gonads collected from November to February.

Despite its limited range it is said to be locally common, possibly occurring in densities of close to 50 birds per km2.

As it occurs in rugged and inaccessible mountains, this has allowed a large portion of its habitat to remain intact.

However, there it is still affected by habitat loss through deforestation, mining, land conversion and slash-and-burn - though not to the same extent as in lowland forests.