Somewhat similar to long-tailed bush warbler but lacks the pale brow and does not cock its tail.

This species is currently monotypic but due to its extremely secretive nature and lack of specimens, studies on regional variation and possible subspecies has yet to be conducted or released.

Starting 2018, a major study was conducted by the Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy, which recorded 62 nests over a 4 year period in an area called the Living Laboratory on the foothills of Mt.

There were a few instances in which the adult birds fed the introduced Calamaria gervaisii, skinks and a frog.

IUCN has assessed this bird as a Least-concern species but there is a great lack of knowledge on any population statistics.

It is not as threatened as other Philippine endemics as its montane habitat is less prone to deforestation as compared to lowland forests due to accessibility issues.

This species is occasionally by-catch of hunting snares intended to catch rails, junglefowl and doves.

Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy Living Laboratory actively protects 500 hectares of this habitat that contains the highest density of Bagobo robin and also serves as a home for Mindanao endemic birds such as the Slaty-backed jungle flycatcher, Red-eared parrotfinch and Bukidnon woodcock.