The Small minivets (Latham) is a small passerine bird. Small Minivets (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) are resident (non-migratory). The species is described as very common in suitable habitat over much of the Indian Subcontinent, widespread and locally common in Bangladesh, local in Pakistan, rare in Bhutan and common in much of South-East Asia. They typically form small flocks and live in thorn jungle and scrub. This bird nests high up in the treetops.

The Small Minivets measure about 16 cm in length. They have strong dark beak and long wings. The male has a grey head and upper plumage. The plumage below is orange underparts, fading to yellow on the abdomen. The tail is orange-tipped. The rump is also orange and he has orange wing patches.

The female is grey above. She is yellow below. Her tail is yellow-tipped. She has a yellow rump and wing patches.

This minivet catches insects in trees by flycatching or while perched. It flushes insects out of foliage by beating its wings hard.

The nest is a cup-like structure woven with small twigs and spiders' webs to increase the strength of the nest. Two or three spotted pale green eggs are laid. Incubation is mainly by the female, but both bird's help to raise the offspring. Small minivet will form small flocks.

Its song is a pleasant whistling. Their vocalizations are described as high, thin swee swee swee calls..