It is a medium-large bird, living in forests and woodlands in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Three subspecies are described: the nominate "L. d. discolor" is found in Madagascar and Mayotte Island, "L. d. intermedius" on Anjouan, and "L. d. gracilis" of Grand Comoro. Based on its smaller size, differences in the plumage, and minor difference in the voice, the last of these is sometimes considered a separate species, the Comoro cuckoo roller ("L. gracilis").