This species and the Sparkling Violet-ear are both easily identified by their large size, bluish-green colour and blue-violet ears. Separating the two is not difficult. Green Violet-ear is smaller, slightly duller, and has blue only on the ears. Sparkling Violet-ear is larger, more glittering, and has a shiny blue belly patch and chin. Green Violet-ear’s monotonous two-note ‘chi-chip’ song (somewhat similar to the call of a Pied Wagtail), is often heard around the patio and the lower deck. Both species often go missing between January and March.