An odd, long-tailed, slender-billed bird. Adults have a black bill, red legs, and blue or purple gloss when seen in good light. Found in dry country, often in fairly lush woodland along rivers. Always in groups, normally of 4-10 members. Similar to Green and Violet Woodhoopoes, but there is little overlap in range, and adults are separated by their black rather than orange bills. Immatures can be confusing, but are normally seen with adults. Also similar to Black Scimitarbill, but much larger, with a longer, floppier, and more triangular tail. The distinctive song starts with a rattling series, then builds into a maniacal cackling, given by a whole group in chorus.