Head and Neck: Forecrown; front of face, and throat throat extensively covered with fine-scaled iridescent dark emerald green feathers (male), black (female) rear crown, nape and ear coverts yellow; eye brown; bill yellow; yellow bill can be used to distinguish this species from other bird-of-paradise.
Body: Overall reddish brown (male), dark brown (female); median wing coverts bright yellow (male), brownish yellow (female). Limbs and tail: Legs and feet grey; tail prominent, reddish orange, with 2 long wires.