Male is very similar to male pririt and pale batises; the latter has a narrower breastband and the former has indistinct, black markings on the flanks, lacking in chinspot batis. The species can be distinguished by their calls.
Female has a distinctive, clearly defined, rufous spot on the chin, unlike the diffuse chestnut on other female batises' throats. Juvenile resembles female but has a mottled head and breast.
Dry, broad-leaved woodland, and dry thornveld.
A clear, descending 'teuu-teuu-teuu', and harsh 'chrr-chrr' notes.