Small finchlike bird, compact and short tailed. Male is yellow below and dark blue-back above with stout, short bill and yellow crown. Look for the darker orangish undertail coverts that fade onto the lower belly. Females also show rufous-tinged undertail coverts as well as a rufous forecrown. Look for pairs in lowland forest and edges, usually in the middle levels. Can join mixed-feeding flocks with other species such as warblers and tanagers. Listen for the grating two-noted call.