This all-black bird has a curved orange bill and a fairly long tail. Northern birds have white bars across the wings, which are conspicuous in flight, while southern birds have entirely black wings. Found in dry savanna and thornscrub. Separated from other scimitarbills by its orange bill. Similar to some woodhoopoes, but separated by its smaller size, shorter all-black tail, and black legs. Vocalizations include a series of wavering, rising notes and an agitated-sounding series of “dok” notes.