Unmistakable. Fairly common and widespread across much of Amazonia. Very long pointed tail and long straight bill lend to its distinctive silhouette. Overall dark glossy-black with a white throat. Wings are iridescent blue-green in good light. Sexes similar. Unlike most other jacamars, tends to perch conspicuously on open branches in the canopy, often in pairs. Typically found around clearings or at the edge of mature lowland forest, even along roadsides.