The species has a confusing taxonomic history, leading to a range of names. In the past the species was considered to have two subspecies, the nominate form in the Nilgiris (earlier called the black-chinned laughingthrush or rufous-breasted laughingthrush) and jerdoni (which is now treated as a full species,  the Banasura laughingthrush) with a grey upper breast and found in the Brahmagiris of Coorg and Banasura range of Wayanad. They are omnivorous, feeding on a range of insects, berries and nectar.
The species has a complicated taxonomic background, resulting in various names. Historically, it was thought to have two subspecies: the nominate form found in the Nilgiris (formerly known as the black-chinned laughingthrush or rufous-breasted laughingthrush) and jerdoni, which is now recognized as a separate species, the Banasura laughingthrush, with a grey upper breast. They are omnivorous, consuming a variety of insects, berries, and nectar.