Populations in New Guinea and northern Australia, which were at one time considered to be a subspecies, are now accepted as a separate species, the paperbark flycatcher (Myiagra nana).

[6] Populations from northern Australia and New Guinea, formerly considered a distinctive subspecies, are now separated as the paperbark flycatcher (Myiagra nana), with which it forms a superspecies.

It is similar to the willie wagtail, though the lack of a black throat, crest on head, white eyebrow and slenderer body shape are distinguishing features.

[11] Its habitat is usually open and wooded forests, in river red gums near water, inland and coastal scrubs and some semi-urban environments.

[1] The restless flycatcher builds a cup-shaped nest from shredded bark and grasses, matted and bound with spider-webbing.