The wattle-eyes were previously classed as a subfamily of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae, but are now usually separated from that group.

This species breeds in west, central and northeast tropical Africa.

This common species is found in secondary forest and other woodland areas, including gardens.

The eggs are laid in a small neat lichen and cobweb cup low in a tree or bush.

These active insect-eating birds are found in pairs or small groups.