A beautiful small vivid-red myzomela with a slightly dark patch in front of the eyes. Female has distinctive plumage that is mostly olive with a reddish face, a red rump, and a reddish tail. Found in primary rainforest and forest edge as well as secondary growth, mainly above 600 meters of elevation but sometimes below. Unique coloration separates it from similar species, the male being entirely red, the female having the diagnostic reddish rump and tail. Vocally shy. Common call is a repeated high-pitched, insect-like “tseet.”