[4][5] The generic name is formed from an anagram of the sister genus Caligavis; the specific epithet is the Latin virescens meaning 'greenish'.

There is a broad, black stripe running from the behind the beak to the back, and a yellow streak immediately below this from the eye.

The singing honeyeater has close relatives that have a similar general appearance, or some details in common, with overlapping ranges and similar voices, so a bird identification guide with clear visuals may be essential to attain the correct identity.

Singing honeyeaters eat a variety of foods, including nectar, small insects, fruits, grubs, and berries.

They have been known to attack intruders in mobs, thus showing they are a community-minded bird that will work together for a common cause.

Baker (1996) showed, the birds of the mainland did not respond to the songs of singing honeyeaters found on an island off Australia's west coast.