It occurs in northeastern Borneo and uses forests with undergrowth. It is known for loud, beautiful songs and for mimicking other birds and sounds.
It is stout-bodied, with long legs and a long tail. As its name suggests, the crown is white; the regional account distinguishes it from the related White-rumped Shama by plumage and song.
It nests in tree cavities. In Sabah, the main nesting season appears to be January–June, and its food includes ants, worms, spiders, and berries.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.