The male exhibits an iridescent violet-green sheen on its head and throat, brown underparts and yellow or orange tufts under its wings, which are more noticeable in flight.

The female is an altogether duller-looking bird with pale grey underparts, and lacks the yellow pectoral tufts.

The song of the males is high pitched, noisy and harsh, interspersed with various rasping calls.

Its habitat consists of forests, gardens, scrubs, and mangroves from sea level to altitudes of 900 m (2,953 ft).

[2] When foraging for food, this sunbird is very active, flying to hibiscus and other flowers with undulating flight and feeding of nectar and insects.