Dark and mostly drab sunbirdlike inhabitant of tropical forests, plantations, and gardens. Iridescent purple nape and rump are diagnostic, but can easily be missed in the gloom of dense forest. Olive-green upperparts and streaked belly, along with a dark, slightly curved bill, are sufficient to distinguish this species from other spiderhunters and sunbirds in its range. Like many other spiderhunters, calls loudly, harshly, and persistently as it forages.