Similar to Stripe-sided Rhabdornis, which overlaps in its range and is occasionally seen with, but usually found at higher elevations, and crown is gray rather than streaked white.

Males and females found to be in breeding condition with brood patches and enlarged gonads in May.

[3] The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as a Least-concern species but despite this the population is still said to be declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation from illegal logging, land conversion, slash-and-burn farming and mining.

It is believed to be somewhat tolerant of habitat loss but more studies are required on its ecology to be able to properly assess its actual conservation status.

It is found in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park actual protection from habitat loss and deforestation is lax.