When only a single Réunion subspecies is accepted, alopekion and xerophilus are considered to represent morphs of the nominate.

The tail coverts are conspicuously white, unlike those of the Réunion olive white-eye.

The rest of the body plumage is variable in hue, though invariably lighter than that of the previous species.

It has chestnut-coloured eyes with a very indistinct eye-ring, as opposed to that of the Réunion olive white-eye.

The female lays two to four pale blue eggs in a cup-shaped nest which is padded with plant material.