The orange eye is surrounded by a narrow pink or yellow ring and bare purple skin.

Adult females are duller and browner than the males and juveniles are overall shades of gray.

In much of its range it inhabits southern temperate forests, with an affinity for those dominated by Araucaria and Nothofagus.

[4] The Chilean pigeon mostly forages in trees for fruit, but it will also feed on seeds in open areas.

[4] The Chilean pigeon's breeding season extends from December to at least March and possibly to May.