Members of this genus are separated from other members of the family, particularly the
Monarcha monarchs they resemble, by their consistent
sexual dimorphism, egg patterning, and the crested heads that often lack facial patterns (a few
Monarcha monarchs also lack facial patterns). Flycatchers in the genus
Myiagra are small birds ranging in length from 13–20 cm in length. They have broad flattened
bills adapted to catching insects. The bill is usually black, the exception being the
blue-crested flycatcher of Fiji, whose bill is bright orange. The insides of their mouths are bright orange, noticeable when singing. When perched they have an upright stance. The satiny
plumage of all species is
sexually dichromatic, to a greater or lesser degree. Overall males tend to have dark blue or black heads, backs, wings and tails and pale bellies and rumps. Some males have red underparts, others have the dark upper plumage all over, and the slightly aberrant shining flycatchers have chestnut wings, backs and tails. The females follow a similar pattern to males but have lighter, more washed out colours. When perched the species in this genus constantly moves their closed tail, in the
restless flycatcher the tail is shacked from side to side. The orange lining to their mouths is visible when they sing. Members of this genus differ from the closely related genus
Monarcha in having their crested heads often unpatterned, and the sexes being different in appearance. They have satiny plumage and perch upright, their long tails tending to move frequently. Males typically have dark blue heads and upper parts and paler underparts, and females are mostly similar in appearance to the males but their colour is more washed out and less intense. Their broad beaks are adapted to feed on insects, which they mostly catch on the wing.
Vocalizations The
calls are generally unmusical and are described as guttural, harsh and rasping. ==Behaviour and ecology==