Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Seven subspecies are recognized:[3] The puff-throated bulbul is a large (23 cm long) bulbul with olive upperparts, yellow underparts, and puffy white throat feathers.

It is similar in appearance to the white-throated bulbul but with duller underparts.

[4] The puff-throated bulbul is a regular but not an obligate cooperative breeder.

Nests are open cups typically located in the understorey.