This parrotbill occurs in the mountains of southwestern China and northern Myanmar. Its chestnut head and vinous streaking across the throat and upper breast are distinctive.
The crown and sides of the head are chestnut, the upperparts brown, and the throat and upper breast vinous with streaking. The belly is paler; the sexes are described as similar.
It uses grassy areas, scrub, thickets, and forest edges, feeding on grasses and seeds. It is recorded in pairs and flocks.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.