Unmistakable, with its long, slightly decurved bill an long, black-tipped crest that is held erect when the bird is alarmed. Its cinnamon-coloured body and the black-and-white barring on the wingsand tail are conspocious in flight.
Female has secondaries barred black and white. Juvenile is duller than female.
Thornveld, open broad-leaved woodland, parks and gardens.
A frequently uttered 'hoop-hoop-hoop'.