It is found in the highlands of New Guinea; its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

[3][4][5] The pygmy lorikeet averages 13 cm (5.1 in) in length (including tail) and 20 g (0.71 oz) in mass.

The male has a dark purple rump and a streaked yellow breast, with red stripes under its wings.

The female lacks the red underwing stripe of the male, and has a green (rather than purple) rump.

Immature birds are similar to adults in appearance but lack yellow streaking on their breasts and have brown bills and eyes.