This small tanager is widespread and fairly common in lowlands across northern South America. Male is mostly cerulean blue with a black mask and upperparts. Also note piercing yellow eye. Most widespread population has white belly, but "Yellow-tufted" form in western Ecuador and Colombia has bright yellow belly and conspicuous yellow tufts under shoulders. Female is much duller than male: yellowish below with gray head, olive back, and a hint of a dark mask. Females also have a yellow eye. Typically found in pairs in the canopy of lowland forest and edges, often following mixed-species flocks.