Males have a black back, head and tail, yellow flanks and rump, olive breasts and grey bellies.

Females have a black cap, olive breast, rump, wings and tail, yellow flanks, and grey throat, nape, and belly.

Black-and-yellow phainoptilas are found from Costa Rica to western Panama, in mountains from 1800 m (6000 ft) to timberline, although they may wander lower after breeding season.

Rather sluggish and sedentary, often spends long periods of time stuffing itself with berries from a single tree.

The nest is a compact, bulky, cup of green moss, thin stems and fern fronds.