Formerly, it was considered a subspecies of the Asian paradise flycatcher until elevated to species rank by the IOC in 2015.

The breeding male is distinguished by elongated central tail streamers, nearly twice the length of its body.

Females bear resemblance to non-breeding rufous males, but usually show a less vibrant blue eye-ring and a slightly paler head.

White morphs display dark wing and central tail feather shaft streaks.

[6] The song is a ringing series of "wiwiwiwiwiwiwi" notes, while the call is a nasal "ji-jeh" or "ji-jeh-jeh".