Threatened by habitat loss and hunting, the species is assessed as endangered by the IUCN.

In 1871, Hermann Schlegel described the species as Leptoptila hoedtii from Wetar.

[4][5] The specific epithet is derived from Dirk Samuel Hoedt, a Dutch collector who owned plantations in the East Indies.

The male bird has a blue-grey head and a greyish white throat.

[8] The female's head, neck and breast are rusty chestnut.

Threats to the species include habitat loss and hunting.

On Wetar, there is less hunting because of the island's inaccessibility, but forest clearance may threaten the species.