It is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands, being found on Timor, Wetar, Rote, and Atauro.

It is 38.5 cm (15.2 in) long on average and is mainly dark bluish-gray, lighter on the head and underparts and darker on the wings and tail.

[1] The black cuckoo-dove was first described as Columba modesta by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Temminck in 1835 based on a specimen from Timor.

[4] Black cuckoo-dove is the official common name designated by the International Ornithologists' Union.

[6][7] The black cuckoo-dove is one of three species in the genus Turacoena and is most closely related to the white-faced cuckoo dove.

The feathers on the top of the head, nape, neck, breast and upper back have iridescent green or purple fringes.

[7][8] The black cuckoo-dove is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands and is found on Timor, Wetar, Rote, and Atauro.

Threats to the species include severe deforestation caused by grazing, burning, agriculture, and logging.