Colorful, chunky waxbill with a massive, conical bill. Both sexes have a red hood and tail, but males have a black base color and more red, and females a brown base color. Found in a variety of lush habitats, including forest edge and understory, moist scrub, marshes, and plantations. Shy and inconspicuous. Often in pairs. The call is an explosive, metallic “zink” and the song a quick, explosive jumble. Similar to bluebills, but separated by the all-bluish bill.