A distinctive malimbe of lowland forests, particularly favoring lowland swamps with palms and areas near water, often in the understory. Overall glossy black with a triangular red throat patch and a pale gray-blue bill. Occurs in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, sometimes with other species of malimbe. The only malimbe with a combination of entirely dark upperparts, red throat, and black vent. Song includes whistled and mechanical notes with rasps, and calls include short rasping “rhewp” notes.