This Philippine endemic nuthatch has violet-blue upperparts and pale orange underparts. It searches trees for insects and spiders.
The upperparts range from violet-blue to lilac, and the underparts are pale cinnamon. The bill and eye-ring are yellow. Females often lack the black forecrown and eye stripe.
It eats insects and spiders and forages alone, in pairs, or in small parties. It also joins mixed-species flocks.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.