Similar to Philippine Bulbul, but larger, with a longer bill, a black crown, and a paler throat and chest.

The Siquijor sub-species survives in scrub and close to human settlements and is believed to be much more of a generalist compared to the Cebu and Romblon subspecies.

It is able to tolerate degraded habitat provided there is nearby forest but occurs in lower densities in these areas.

IUCN has assessed this bird as endangered with population estimates being 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals and continuing to decrease.

Although it can tolerate less than ideal forest, this species' main threat is habitat loss with wholesale clearance of forest habitats as a result of logging, agricultural conversion and mining activities occurring within the range.

Conservation actions proposed include: the promotion of improved management of the existing reserves to prevent further habitat deterioration on Siquijor, Cebu and Romblon; the designation of further protected areas as appropriate, particularly on Tablas Island; the promotion of forest restoration and regeneration on Tablas Island; and on Cebu, investigation into the potential for targeted conservation, including captive breeding, of the subspecies monticola.