A medium-sized black barbet with a mostly red head. With a good look, pale edges to the wing feathers are visible. Found at middle elevations in woodland, scrub, and cultivated areas, usually in pairs or small groups. Similar to Red-faced Barbet, but ranges don’t overlap, and Black-billed is easily separated by much more extensive red on the head. The vocalizations include a low growling and an explosive series of two-syllabled “KOOP-pup” phrases.