There are two subspecies, the nominate race, which occurs on Biak, and brevicauda, which is found on Numfor Island.

[5] The plumage of this species is black with an oily green gloss over the body, although the subspecies brevicauda is less glossy than the nominate.

They are conspicuous birds, sitting in prominent open perches in trees in a manner reminiscent of a drongo.

[5] Its calls have been described as a series of loud warbles, and it also gives a descending slurred "cheeeuw".

[citation needed] The species occurs in small groups or in pairs, foraging for fruit in trees and in the undergrowth.