Chunky, medium-sized black-and-white barbet. There is a black triangle on the throat and large spots on the sides of the belly. Found in a variety of habitats including moist woodland and gallery forest. Generally in lusher habitats than other closely related barbets. The two main calls are a slow series of “kwaa” notes and a fast series of nasal “kye” notes. Easily separated from similar barbets by the spotted underparts and pale eye.