The Golden-naped Tanager is a very conspicuous bird. Its turquoise body stands out from the crowd at Finca Alejandría, where we spent a lot of time photographing hummingbirds and tanagers as they came to the feeders. A violet band is sandwiched inside the black head, and hints of violet can be seen at the lower back of the head. The belly and flanks are white to tawny. But the most distinctive feature of this bird is the golden nape, which gives this species its name. It is sometimes raised like a crest.

This species has a glossy look and a brilliant light blue coloration. But its most eye catching feature is the golden nape, which sometimes is raised like a crest.

Another important feature for identification is the black face and blue crown. The belly has a white patch that continues to the vent.

They regularly visit fruit feeders in company of other tanager and honeycreeper species.

It is a very streamlined bird with great colors.