Small flowerpiercer. Male distinctive: slaty gray above and warm tawny-buff below with no contrasting markings on wings. Bill is upturned with a hook at the tip, typical of a flowerpiercer. Female more confusing, overall dull brownish. Indistinct streaking on breast separates from all other flowerpiercers. Found in fairly open shrubby areas, woodlands, and gardens; not in forest.