It was formerly classified as a subspecies of Jameson's firefinch (L. rhodopareia) but is now often treated as a separate species.

Its alternative name commemorates Anton Reichenow, the German ornithologist who described this species.

Jameson's firefinch is similar but lacks the grey crown and nape and does not overlap in range.

It occurs in south-west Chad where it is fairly common and north-east Cameroon where it is rare.

It inhabits on grasslands, and rocky hillsides in areas of arid savannah with tall grass.