It measures between 19 to 23 cm (7.5–9.1 in) in length and weighing around 60 to 69 g (2.1–2.4 oz). The plumage is mostly glossy blue-black, with a white collar, cheeks, throat and belly and a blue-black breast band and black tail. The heavy bill is black, as are the feet, and the iris of the eye is dark brown or red.