It is found in the Tsavo region of southeastern Kenya and nearby northern Tanzania, but not on the coast.

[2] The adult male is apparently the same at all seasons: gleaming bluish-green above and on the head, with a black belly and lower breast.

The upper breast may have a maroon band, missing the center or complete and 3 to 5 mm wide.

(The male purple-banded sunbird has a wider maroon band and a distinct non-breeding plumage.

Calls resemble the purple-banded sunbird's: "[l]oud annoyance chatter, chi-chi-chi-chi…" and "a high tsik-tsiki-tsik or brrrzi.