Key Identification Features
- Both sexes have distinct iridescent purple-blue speculum feathers edged with white, which are noticeable both in flight and at rest, but are temporarily shed during the annual summer moult.
- Males have distinctive striking white eyes, while females have brown eyes.
- The undersides of its wings are whitish, and the upper surface of the wings features a green speculum bordered with white.
- However, the male can be distinguished by a paler head than the female, a pale blue forewing separated from the green speculum by a white border, and yellow eyes; the female's forewing is grey.
For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.
