A medium-sized black-and-white barbet. Note the red patch above the bill and the white eyebrow and breast. Immatures lack the red patch above the bill. There is some geographical variation, mainly in the amount of spotting on the underparts. Found in dry woodland and savanna. Similar to Spot-flanked and Black-throated Barbets, but easily separated by the lack of a black throat patch. The vocalizations are a long, descending series of hoots and a nasal “yank” note.