- Medium-sized songbird.
- Medium-long tail.
- Bill stout and pointed.
- Male shiny black with red eyes.
- Female dull gray-brown.
Male DescriptionBlackish overall. Bronzy iridescence on back and rump. Can erect ruff of feathers on neck. Bill black. Eyes red in breeding season, brownish orange in nonbreeding season. Legs black.
Female DescriptionOverall dull black or grayish brown. Lacks ruff. Eyes brownish orange.
Immature DescriptionSimilar to female, with indistinct dark streaks on breast and belly.