Ebird describes it as "A medium-sized bird of lowland and montane forest as well as more open wooded areas.

Similar to streak-breasted bulbul, but smaller, with a shorter bill, a grayish crown, and a warmer orange-brown throat and chest.

Territorial songs are heard at lower altitudes as late as May, while further upslope the birds are silent at that time of year and presumably engaged in breeding activity.

The besra has been recorded as a predator of young Philippine bulbuls, and this or other goshawks might also catch adult birds.

[8] A common and adaptable bird as long as sufficient forest remains, it is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN.