The Mountain Bulbul is a medium-sized bird characterized by its olive-green plumage, which fades to a paler yellow on the underparts. It has a distinctive crest on its head, giving it a unique, slightly punk-rock appearance. The bird’s face is marked with a brownish-gray coloration around the eyes, which contrasts nicely with its yellow throat and bright orange eyes, making it fairly easy to identify in its natural habitat.

This species is typically found in the montane forests of South and Southeast Asia, ranging from the Himalayas through northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of southern China. The Mountain Bulbul prefers elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters and is often seen in both evergreen and mixed forests. It tends to inhabit dense, shrubby areas and is quite adaptable, sometimes even venturing into forest edges and nearby farmlands.

Mountain Bulbuls are social birds, often seen in small flocks or in mixed-species foraging groups. They primarily feed on fruits, berries, and small insects, making them important seed dispersers in their ecosystem. Their diet varies seasonally depending on food availability, and they have been known to enjoy figs and other fruiting trees. The species is also quite vocal, producing a series of rapid, chattering calls that can be heard echoing through the forests, especially during the early morning hours.