Diagnostic features of both sexes are the sharp, poted dark bill, the blackline through the very pale yellow eye, and the chestnut brown wash over the head.
Male has a black bib. Female resembles male but lacks the bib; it has a yellow eye and black bill throughout the year. Jevenile initially lacks the facial marking; the black line through the eye develops during the first year.
Coastal evergreen and riverine forest, and moister areas in thornveld.
A descending 'dee-dee-dee-dee-dee'; also a swizzing song.