This species lacks the red eye-ring of African Red-eyed Bulbul, and further differs in having less contrast between the dark head and the breast.
Juvenile resembles adult.
Frequents a wide variety of habitats, from thornveld to forest edges, parks and gardens.
A harsh, sharp 'kwit, kwit, kwit', given when alarmed or when going to roost; song is a liquid 'cheloop chreep choop'.