This is a very small barbet, only about 10 cm (3.5–4.1 in) long. The distinct golden yellow crest-like patch on its forehead has given it its name. In English, barbets are called 'tinkerbirds'. In English, a "tinker" was a traveling craftsman who in ancient times repaired and tinned copper vessels or kettles. The bird's call is reminiscent of the repeated tapping of kettles - a distinct repeated "pok-pok-pok." The species nests in cavities dug out of dead tree branches, two to five meters above the ground. The female lays two to three white eggs on a base of wood chips at the bottom of the nest chamber. The young are raised on fruit and insects.