Puffbirds are oddly-proportioned birds with rotund bodies and huge heads. Pied is small, black-and-white, with an obvious black breast band and a thin white eyebrow. Superficially similar to White-necked Puffbird, but much smaller with black forehead. Sexes alike. Perches conspicuously, often on a bare branch in the canopy or even on a telephone wire. Usually at the edge of the forest, overlooking an open area.