It is a small lorikeet distinguished by a purple crown, an orange forehead and ear-coverts, and a light blue chin and chest.

[2] The specific epithet derived from the Ancient Greek words porphuros "purple" and kephalē "head".

[3] Alternate common names include porphyry-crowned lorikeet,[4] Dietrichsen's lory,[5] and Zit parrot, from its shrill call.

The chin, chest and belly are a conspicuous powder blue, while the thighs and under-tail coverts are yellowish-green.

[8] Locally nomadic, it is often found in dry sclerophyll forest and town parks and gardens, especially where Eucalyptus trees are flowering.

[6][4][8] Generally found in small groups, the species may congregate in larger flocks, and may be in the company of Little- and musk lorikeets.