The arrow-marked babbler is a medium-sized babbler, named for its plumage, which is brownish-grey above and lighter below, with white tips to the feathers on the throat, neck and head. The iris is bright red and the inner ring of the eye bright yellow. This species lives in social groups of between 3 and 15 birds (six individuals being the average) that defend large common territories. They feed on insects, spiders and sometimes snails and lizards, as well as fruits.