Large sunbird with a long but thin bill. Males sometimes look all-black but also show green and maroon iridescent patches in good light. Females have pale eyebrows and streaked underparts. Found in forest, moist scrub, woodland, and gardens. Generally uncommon. The song is a mix of “chyup” notes and higher scratchy notes and twitters. Male is distinctive in good light. Female can be confused with female Scarlet-chested Sunbird but shows an eyebrow stripe and has streaks rather than smudges below. Also similar to female Green-throated Sunbird, but less boldly streaked below than that species.