This New Zealand endemic is naturally found on the North Island. It forages in the forest canopy while calling with its group. Some island and sanctuary populations were established by human translocation.
About 15 cm long, it has a compact body, short tail and bill, and relatively long legs. The head and underparts are white or whitish; the back, wings, and tail are brown-grey. The bill, legs, and eyes are dark.
During breeding, it forms vocal groups of up to about eight birds; at other times it may forage in mixed-species flocks. It moves quickly through the canopy and may hang upside down while feeding. Its food includes insects, especially caterpillars and beetles, spiders, and sometimes fruit.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.