A large, dark highland sunbird. Breeding males look black in poor light, but show extensive purple iridescence and a coppery-green head in good light. Non-breeding males lose most of their iridescence, but usually retain their elongated central tail feathers. Females are dusky olive-green with a pale eye-stripe and a limited dark mask. Found at middle and high elevations along the edges of montane forest and in gardens and cultivated areas. Similar to Bronze Sunbird, but males are separated by their purple iridescence and females by their duller, unstriped underparts. Female also similar to female Malachite Sunbird, but less yellow below. The common call is a series of several “tew” notes, and the song is a frantic and high-pitched jumble.