May be distinguished from the non-breeding Black-chested Prinia by its clear white (not yellowish) throat and breast, warm buff flanks and belly and russet edges to the wings. Non-breeding Roberts' Warbler is similar but is much darker and lacks the strongly contrasting head markings and the russet edges to the wing feathers.
Juvenile resembles adult.
Understorey of broad-leaved woodland and thick, rank vegetation adjoining water.
A rapidly repeated 'przzt-przzt-przzt' and a harsh 'chrzzzt'.