It is endemic to New Caledonia, where it occurs on the island of Grande Terre and the Isle of Pines.

In New Caledonia its natural habitat is humid rainforest, stunted hill forest and savanna woodland.

[2] It is around 11 cm in length and typically weighs 6.5 to 8 grams.

The plumage of this species also varies by sex, with the male having a scarlet head, breast and back, black wings and tail and a white belly and rump.

The female has a dull brown head, breast and back with a slight red wash on the face, and duller wings and belly.