The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is notable for the red chest and iridescent head of the male in nuptial plumage. It feeds on nectar and small animals.
A male in nuptial plumage has a dark brown body that looks black at a distance and a bright red chest. The head and throat may shine blue or green in good light. Females are brown with dark streaks on a pale underside.
It drinks nectar and catches spiders and insects. It may hawk insects near flowers and leaves or take prey from the ground.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.