It feeds on insects which it gathers by gleaning amongst foliage or by making short dashes while in the air.

It is a small bird (15 cm) with a long, fan-shaped tail which is often fanned or wagged.

The plumage is mostly dark grey with a white eyebrow, moustache and tips to the tail feathers.

The species is closely related to the rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) but it is darker and duller in appearance with a different song and feeding behaviour.

The scientific name commemorates the Polish naturalist Jan Kubary.