A breeding male Purple Sunbird, spotted near Oub Luang National Park (fig.) in Chiang Mai.

It is feeding on fruits, that resemble wild Himalayan cherries, as well as fresh wolfberries, of which the latter are in Thai known as kao kih.

It appears all black, but it actually has a metallic bluish-purple iridescence, which becomes better visible in certain lighting. Its wings and tail are mostly dark brown, and the belly and vent dark grey to purplish-black.

In the breeding season, it also has a maroon shine on the feathers of the collar around the neck.