This lovely bird is about four inches in length and has a neat and balanced appearance. Males have a black beak, royal blue metallic face mask, an emerald green breast and back ending in a smoky red rump and tail. Females are similar in appearance except for a less extensive facial mask and a slightly duller green body color.
Young birds are blackish green in color and have yellow streaking in the beak.
Head color develops at around sixty days of age, allowing for sexing by ninety days. A flight measuring at least four feet in length and three feet in height would be the smallest comfortable dimension for this species. BFPF are a forest bird and therefore do appreciate some plant cover, whether real or artificial. They are happiest and shown to their best advantage in roomy planted outdoor aviaries. BFPF are generally very good in a mixed collection though temperaments do vary among individuals.