This minivet is found in tropical southern Asia from the Indian subcontinent east to Indonesia.

The male differs from most other common minivets by having grey, not glossy black, upperparts and head, and orange underparts, fading to yellow on the belly, orange tail edges, rump and wing patches.

The female is grey above, with yellow underparts (including the face), tail edges, rump and wing patches.

The small minivet is a widespread and common resident breeding bird in thorn jungle and scrub.

The nest is a cup-like structure into which two to four spotted eggs are laid and incubated by the female.