Males are striking black-and-white flycatchers with a conspicuous complete white collar, all dark tail, and white rump. Females can be difficult to separate from other flycatchers but have a large white primary patch on the wing. Breeds in deciduous forests, nesting in cavities and quick to take advantage of nest boxes. Spends much of the non-breeding season in miombo and other broad-leaved woodlands. The song is a high-pitched series of whistled notes; alarm call is a dry "pik."