Speciation is likely to have occurred on two ancient islands, which later fused to form present-day Hispaniola.

[2] The genus was long included in the family Thraupidae, the "true" tanagers, but it was moved in 2017.

Adults have a dark olive-brown head, with a blackish crown and a small rusty spot between the eye and bill.

Their throat and underparts are white, with a heavy wash of grayish brown on the flanks and lower belly.

It inhabits broadleaf forest and dense brushy areas, especially in ravines and near water.

It has a small range and its estimated population of 6700 to 13,300 mature individuals is believed to be decreasing.

[1] It is "fairly numerous locally" in both countries and occurs in some protected areas, which, in Haiti, are only nominally supported.