It was formerly considered to be a race of the short-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus ferox, but the two species overlap without interbreeding in Venezuela, and the calls are different.

It breeds in forest and deciduous woodland in northeastern Colombia, northern Venezuela and Tobago.

The brown tail feathers and wings have narrow rufous outer webs.

Sexes are similar, but young birds have broader rufous edgings.

The Venezuelan flycatcher is insectivorous and catches its prey amongst the higher branches of trees.