The Togian white-eye has a less extensive black cap, clearer yellow throat, distinct pale base to the bill and reddish (brown in the black-crowned) iris.

The species is separated from Zosterops surdus of the west-central Sulawesi by the paler and brighter olive above and clearer yellow on the throat.

It differs from Zosterops subatrifrons of Peleng and Banggai Islands by the lack of the white eye ring, greyer breast and less extensive black crown.

The habitats included mangrove to secondary vegetation and gardens consisting of coconut, clove, cacao and durian.

Surveys suggested that the entire population was found in an area of less than 5000 km2 and therefore fulfilling the IUCN criteria for "Endangered" status (EN, B, 1, a, b, iii).