This vanga is endemic to Madagascar. The widely distributed eastern form has a black hood; a western form with a black crown and white chin and throat has also been reported. Western records are sparse, and the forms' geographic status and possible seasonal movement remain unresolved.
The widespread eastern nominate form has a black hood extending over the head and throat. The western albigularis form is reported with a black crown and white chin and throat.
The species is associated with humid evergreen forest in the east. Western records also come from deciduous forest and mangroves, although the distribution there is poorly known.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.