This river bird differs by sex in size and facial pattern. It searches along the water's edge for fish and other small aquatic prey.
The male is larger and darker, with an unmarked face. The smaller female is mainly brown and has a boldly patterned face.
It searches among waterside plants for aquatic insects, small fish, and frogs. It is usually solitary and uses vegetation overhanging the water.
In southern Africa, pairs nest separately and defend a territory. The nest is a deep bowl of grasses, fine twigs, and other vegetation, placed on branches above water or among flood debris and emergent plants.
In southern Africa, it lays 1–3 eggs, incubated by the female alone for at least 3 weeks. Chicks leave the nest a few days after hatching.
It has a bright coral-red bill, salmon-orange legs, and large feet. Immatures resemble females but have a blackish bill and a less distinct facial pattern.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.