Its common name and Latin binomial commemorate Archibald Donald MacKinnon.

[3] Mackinnon's fiscal is found in tropical humid parts of Central Africa.

It has a disjunct range (from the Obudu Plateau to northern Angola on one hand and across northern Congo, the Ruwenzori and Lake Victoria regions on the other).

It is found in forest edges, clearings, secondary growth and bushy areas, from sea level up to about 2,200 m (7,200 ft).

Its population trend may be upward because it is thought to have benefited from deforestation as it thrives in secondary growth and is often to be found in farmland, villages and gardens.