A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010 found the genus Coracina was non-monophyletic.

In the resulting reorganization to create monophyletic genera, McGregor's cuckooshrike is the only species placed in the resurrected genus Malindangia.

Occurs singly, in small groups or with mixed-species flocks of other medium sized birds.

As it occurs in rugged and inaccessible mountains, this has allowed a large portion of its habitat to remain intact.

However, there it is still affected by habitat loss through deforestation, mining, land conversion and slash-and-burn - just not to the same extent as lowland forest.