It is a small bird, with males having olive upperparts, greyish-green underparts, a white throat and a scarlet breast patch.

The generic name Dicaeum is from the Greek δικαιον (dikaion), most likely referring to the scarab beetle, while the specific epithet pectorale is from the Latin pectoralis (of the breast).

Nominate males have olive green upperparts and crown, yellowish rumps, grey-green underparts, yellowish-white central abdomen and undertail coverts, white throats, and a large scarlet patch on breast.

Females are similar to males, but lack the scarlet throat patch and have yellower center of abdomen and undertail coverts.

[3] The olive-headed flowerpecker is found throughout lowlands in western New Guinea and on nearby islands.