The male is one of the most obvious birds, occupying conspicuous perches throughout his territory, from which he utters seemingly unending medleys of chorus from dawn to dusk. Electric lines along country roads are favorite perches. If he is seen in silhouette against the bright sky, his richly delicate shades of blue are not apparent. His plumage has been described as: 'deep blue, cerulean, ultramarine and indigo, but changing in different lights; head plain purplish blue with the rest of the plumage showing greenish reflections.'

The plain brown female is not often noticed as she spends most of her time at low elevations, under cover. The female constructs a sturdy nest, generally well concealed, in heavy cover close to the ground. Unlike most other birds, the male Indigo almost never approaches the nest to help feed the young. But as soon as they fledge he assumes the dominant role, feeding them until they become self-sufficient, while the female immediately prepares for a second or third brood.

Length 5 1/2 inches