A small sunbird whose breeding male has a white belly and iridescent throat and back, feeding mainly on nectar.
In breeding season, the male has a white belly and iridescent throat and back; a thin purple line may show between the belly and throat. The female is brownish gray, with a pale whitish belly and flanks.
It favors nectar but also eats insects and spiders. It feeds at flowers while perched or hovering, and may glean small prey from foliage.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.