[3] The closest living relative of this species appears to be the black-chinned yuhina, which occurs on the Asian mainland.

The Taiwan yuhina is 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) in length with a chocolate brown crest and a black beard stripe descending from its beak.

The bird's back, wings and tail are dark ash brown, and its lower breast is lighter in colour.

The Taiwan yuhina's diet mainly consists of nectar, berries, flowers and small insects.

Based on a population in Nantou County, diet during the breeding season mostly consists of nectar and fruits of Taiwan cherry (Prunus campanulata), fruits of eastern debregeasia (Debregeasia orientalis), and the nectar of mistletoe Taxillus lonicerifolius.