This stocky finch has a stubby bill (2), a black face and cap, a white bar on the black wings, and a white rump (3). Males have blue-grey upperparts and bright red underparts whilst females are duller with pinkish-brown underparts (2). Juveniles are similar in appearance to females but do not acquire the black cap until after their first moult. The flight is undulating and the calls include a subdued piping warble (2).