The scapulars, wing and upper tail coverts have pale tips. Both have grey stippling on long scapulars and upper wing coverts. These have brown edges towards the scapulars and whiter edges towards the wing coverts. The wings are dark with white patches on the scapulars and primary-coverts. The rufous upper breast, mantle and scapulars form a collar. The tertiaries are blue whereas the scapulars are dark red. The mantle and back are rufous with a white row of spots on the scapulars. It has black tail and wings, and pale greyish scapulars. It has a buffy scaling on the upperparts that is especially pronounced on the scapulars. The scapulars and mantle feathers are dark chestnut-brown with dark central streaks and pale tips. Adult males are mostly black with creamy napes and white scapulars, lower backs, and rumps. The back and scapulars are mottled in white with V shaped marks. The rump is a light olive-green; the lower mantle and scapulars form a brown saddle. Feathers on head, neck, back and scapulars may be replaced annually. By three weeks, the young bird acquires black scapulars and flight feathers.