Its spectacular plumage includes shades of green, red, yellow, and black. It exhibits sexual dimorphism; males have dark head and neck feathers, while females range in color from dark red to brown. Its large bill is bright red, yellow, and blue, with a serrated edge.

They are social birds, living in small groups, spending most of their time in the treetops and lower levels, where they forage together.

They vocalize during mating rituals and to warn of danger.

They build nests in tree hollows. During the incubation period, the male will provide food for the female. Once the eggs have hatched, the males will help care for the young.

These birds are threatened by the destruction of their habitat, due to the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.