A very small sunbird with a short, slightly curved bill. Males are iridescent green above and pale gray below with a narrow red chest band. Females are much plainer, with a green back and pale gray-buff underparts. Found very locally in foothill and middle elevation forest, mostly in the canopy. Female similar to female Collared Sunbird, but shows much less yellow on the underparts. Separated from other sunbirds by shape and size. The vocalizations include a rising “tseep,” often repeated, and a low “tschk.”