Fairly common and very territorial small hummingbird. Glittering green head and underparts, coppery rump (absent in northwest mountain subspecies), bronzy to rufous brown undertail, slightly curved and medium-sized bill with red lower mandible, and forked blue tail. Female similar to male but with dull brown belly. Usually in forest edges, second growth woodland, and gardens. Flight call a trill; song a slow, high-pitched four-note “e-ri-caa.” Distinguished from Steely-vented Hummingbird by lack of blue rump coverts; from male emeralds by longer and more curved bill; and from Blue-chinned Sapphire by forked (not rounded) tail and lack of bluish tinge on chin and body.