[5] The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) and the Clements taxonomy have moved it to genus Philodice which it shares with the purple-throated woodstar (P.

Both have bronzy green upperparts with some rufous spangles and a white band across the upper chest, though the male's is broader and brighter.

Adult males have a metallic purple gorget, a green breast and flanks, and a rufous belly with a white or buffy patch on either side of the rump.

The adult female's central and outermost pairs of tail feathers are shorter than the intermediate ones, giving a "double rounded" look.

[5] The magenta-throated woodstar apparently makes local movements because at some sites it is present only part of the year.

The male usually holds his long tail cocked and closed while feeding but opens it wide when displaying aggressively.

In addition to feeding on nectar the species captures small arthropods by hawking from a perch or gleaning from foliage.

[5] The magenta-throated woodstar's breeding season in Costa Rica spans from November to March or April but has not been defined in Panama.