Larger than chestnut-fronted helmet-shrike, lacks the chestnut forehead, and has a red eye-ring and jet-black (not dark grey) plumage. It is a gregarious species.
Juvenille is paler than adult, with a brown eye0ring, bill and legs.
Mostly mopane and moimbo woodlands.
Harsh grating calls, much like those of white-crested helmet-shrike.