A medium-sized barbet with a black back, a barred belly, and a red patch above the bill. There is considerable geographical variation; the throat varies from speckled to solidly black, and the head can be black with a thin white eyebrow, or black-and-white. Found at middle elevations in montane woodland in the Abyssinian highlands. Not very vocal, but does give quiet rasping calls. Has a red patch above the bill like Red-fronted Barbet, but easily separated by the barred belly.