This bird has a name that is almost as long as its tail during mating season: Malagasy paradise-flycatcher. The bird, including its tail feathers, is usually 17 cm long, but during mating season males may additionally display tail streamers that extend the tail by up to 15 cm. The males can also occur in at least two morphs, one white and black and one rust red and black. However, the markings are constant in both morphs. The females and the juveniles are similar to the males but have a short tail and no tail streamers. They are always rust red. The bird in the picture shows several typical characteristics: black head, blue eye ring and rust red tail. However, the plumage on the chest suggests that it may be a young male that is about to go from the fledgling stage to white morph. The Malagasy paradise-flycatcher is an insectivore just like its closest relative, the African paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis).