This unmistakable bulbul has distinctive head markings:  blackish crown, long yellow ear tufts and ear-covert patch, and white tufts from lores.  Olive-green upperparts, brown upperwings and tail, yellow underparts with olive tinge on breast and flanks, yellow underwings.  Sexes alike.  This bulbul is essentially an up-country bird never seen below 1000 metres and not really common below 1300 m; in the higher hills, however, it is one of the commonest birds.  It frequents jungle, wooded ravines and well-wooded gardens.  Usually found in pairs though small parties are not uncommon.