[4][5] The genus contains 21 species, including one that is now extinct:[6] Formerly, some authorities also considered the following species (or subspecies) as species within the genus Myiagra: Members of this genus are separated from other members of the family, particularly the Monarcha monarchs they resemble, by their consistent sexual dimorphism, egg patterning, and the crested heads that often lack facial patterns (a few Monarcha monarchs also lack facial patterns).

Overall males tend to have dark blue or black heads, backs, wings and tails and pale bellies and rumps.

Some males have red underparts, others have the dark upper plumage all over, and the slightly aberrant shining flycatchers have chestnut wings, backs and tails.

The genus is adapted to feeding on insects in a manner similar to the Old World flycatchers in the family Muscicapidae.

The genus is spread across Australasia, with some representatives in Wallacea, New Guinea, Australia, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Micronesia.