The Timor Stubtail was recorded in forest on Timor, where its short tail was barely visible. A 1991 field report described chestnut upperparts and a pale eyebrow and noted that the bird was difficult to see in the undergrowth.
The observed birds had chestnut upperparts, more rufous wings, and a pale eyebrow. The report described a whitish-gray throat and yellowish legs.
Four birds were seen in Camplong Forest, and calls were heard there on later dates. The observers described it as skulking and gave its high call as a thin 'zizzz'.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.