It was first described by Jochen Martens and Siegfried Eck in 1991, having been identified as a separate species based on differences in voice.

[3][5] The name "Nepal cupwing" is used by the International Ornithologist's Union and by the Handbook of the Birds of the World, while "immaculate cupwing" is used in American English and in Indian English, including The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World.

It has dark scaling on the upperparts and paler scaling on the underparts, a scaly breast with brown central feathers, pale edging on the flight feathers, and a very short tail.

[7] External morphology is very similar to the other species, to a degree where identification within the field relies upon vocalizations.

[7] Preferred habitat is dense understorey in median and low mountain elevations.