It is native to the East Palearctic, from Sakhalin to the north, through Japan across through Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan, wintering in southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam and Borneo.

Females are completely dissimilar, with generally buff-brown coloration, with rusty-colored wings, and a two-toned eyering.

[2] There are several subspecies, largely determined by plumage and range variations, at least two of which have been split off as separate species.

The narcissus flycatcher arrives in Southeast Asia during early May to commence mating behavior.

Males arrive before females to prepare a nest that will aid in the selection of a mate as well as shelter.