It is found mainly in the higher altitude shola forests of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.

It is much darker than the verditer flycatcher and does not have as strong a contrast in the pale face and black lores.

The bases of the outer tail feathers are white but this is not easily visible when the bird is sitting.

The wing feathers are dark brown with a narrow outer fringe of blue.

The juvenile is dark brown with creamy spots and a scaly appearance on the throat and breast.