A proposal in the early 21st century to move it into genus Eugenes was not adopted by major worldwide taxonomic systems.

Both sexes have a decurved black bill, with the male's being longer, and a small white spot behind the eye.

It primarily inhabits humid subtropical forest and woodlands and is partial to openings created by landslides and treefall.

[8] The violet-chested hummingbird usually forages for nectar deep in the forest, typically in dense understory and often in damp ravines and Heliconia thickets.

[8] The violet-chested hummingbird's breeding season spans from March to July in Lara state and also in November and December in other parts of its range.

It builds a cup nest, usually in a branch fork but sometimes on a vine or fern, and typically about 2 m (7 ft) above the ground.

The nest is made of soft plant fibers with an outer layer of moss, tree fern scales, and lichen.

It is considered "[l]ocally common [and] seems readily to accept second growth and man-made habitats.