Readily distinguished from the Oriental White-eye by its larger size and darker green/jungle green plumage, and also the heavier bill.  The white eye-ring is more widely broken at front than in Oriental.  Lower breast, belly and flanks are greyish-white.  Sexes alike.  Often forms large scattered flocks.  It is found only in the hills above 1000 metres, where it could be the commonest bird.  Forms large, scattered flocks except in the breeding season, when it pairs up.