The main color of the plumage is brown, which is reflected in the former English name of this species.

Upperparts - greyish-brown, underparts somewhat lighter, gray with an ocher tint and a faint white streak.

The beak is black or greyish brown, with a paler base underneath.

Juveniles are also similar to adults, but their plumage is duller and lacks the white markings on the head and throat; the rufous color on the wings and tail is paler.

[3] The Bougainville fantail inhabits mountain forests at an altitude of more than 700 meters above sea level [3] (adults are usually above 900 m) and at least up to 1600 m..[2] It feeds on all tiers of the forest, catching insects on the fly or looking them out from the foliage.