Immature birds are similar to the female except that the breast band is browner and the underparts have a buffy wash.[3] The pale batis measures 10.5–11.5 cm (4.1–4.5 in) in length and weighs 8–13.1 g (0.28–0.46 oz).

[3] In the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe it is found up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level in tall Uapaca kirkiana stands, thickets of Philippia spp.

[3] Its social behaviour is probably similar to other batises in that it is not normally seen in groups larger than pairs or family groups, although the males may gather in single sex aggregations known as "parliaments" immediately prior to the breeding season, when they fly about excitedly, snapping their bills, fripping their wings and making "wik" calls.

The male has a zigzag courtship display flight which he performs along with wing fripping, tail fanning and fluffing up the long, white spotted rump feathers while giving strident "week-week-week" calls.

[3] The nest of the pale batis is a small, deep cup built of thin strips of Combretum bark and fragments of grass inflorescences, held together with spiders webs.