In relation to range and population size this species is not considered to be vulnerable.

The male has glossy blue plumage and a black bib with a purple iridescent sheen on the throat and breast.

Its range extends from central Panama southwards to northwestern Ecuador and Venezuela.

The male often sits in a stationary position on a high perch on an emergent tree, under which conditions his brilliant blue colour may be indiscernible while he is silhouetted against the sky.

This bird does not seem to have a song or call, but the male may, while in flight, make a whirring or rattling sound with his wings, perhaps a form of display.