Adult Male:
Similar to the Aethopyga gouldiae annamensis subspecies, but with bright yellow flanks instead of yellowish-brown or greenish-brown. Displays iridescent violet hues on the head and throat. The breast is red, and the belly is pale yellow.
Adult Female:
Resembles the female of the Aethopyga gouldiae annamensis subspecies, but with generally greyish-yellow-green plumage and bright yellow flanks. Dark brown eyes. Black beak. Dark brown legs.
Measurements:
- Wing: 53 – 58 mm
- Tail: 63 – 85 mm
- Tarsus: 14 mm
- Bill: 14 – 15 mm
Distribution:
This subspecies of the yellow-bellied sunbird is distributed in Northern Laos and Northern Vietnam. In Vietnam, specimens have only been collected in Sapa and Lâm Đồng.