Large, dark jay with deep purplish-blue coloration and a darker head. This species tends to move in raucous groups through the midstory and canopy of tall forest and edge. Where it overlaps with Violaceous Jay, Purplish tends to be less common and more tied to higher-quality habitat; note also the darker coloration of Purplish Jay. Vocalizations include variations on a low, harsh “jeeer!”.