[4] Recent phylogenetic study has found whitefaces to be most closely related to the scrubtit (Acanthornis magnus), a monotypic Tasmanian species similar in appearance to Sericornis scrubwrens.

[5] The marked difference in the size and shape of the whiteface beak compared with that of the scrubtit has been attributed to an increased dietary intake of seeds, requiring a more robust bill.

[3] This species displays the characteristic facial markings of the genus; a white band across the forehead, with a darker streak along the top edge.

[3][6] They are considered sedentary; however, atlas records indicate that individuals may move into wetter areas outside of their normal range during drought years.

[3][8] They forage almost exclusively on the ground,[9] favouring habitat with low tree densities, a herb understory and without large amounts of litter cover.

[12] Little is known about bonding in this species and although nesting is often observed in pairs, there have been multiple occurrences of co-operative breeding recorded, with up to 4 adults participating in chick rearing.

[13] The suitability of habitat for ground-foraging woodland species, such as the southern whiteface, is thought to depend on the variety of available ground substrates.