A large-bodied, small-headed, long-legged, mostly ground-dwelling bird. Easily identified by long bright yellowish legs, bright red face, entirely black round body, and bright orange bill. No similar birds inhabit Vanuatu. More inconspicuous than other scrubfowl, often sitting motionless in trees, but can be surprisingly tolerant of humans around settlements. Very vocal, especially at dawn and dusk, giving a loud far-carrying chuckling and chicken-like clucking, “toook took-tooor” repeated.