The male is a bright green bird with large vivid scarlet shoulder patch. Males have orange eyes. Both sexes have an orange bill

Females and immature birds have a smaller wing patch and a yellow-greenish plumage. The rump and lower back are pale-blue. Their eyes are dark.

They are mainly arboreal (live in trees) and only come to ground for food. They are found in a variety of habitats varying from arid, subtropical, inland, eucalyptus woodlands, acacia scrubs, mangroves and along watercources.

They feed on seeds, nectar, pollen, flowers and fruits. They also eat insects and their larvae.