The Luzon bleeding-heart dove is a medium-sized ground dove, measuring about 25 to 30 centimeters in length. Its most notable feature is the bright red "bleeding heart" patch on its chest, which contrasts sharply with its slate-gray upperparts and white throat, chest, and belly. The dove's wings are dark with black bands, and it has a rounded body shape with short legs. Males tend to be larger and have a more pronounced red patch compared to females, which have a slightly duller appearance.