The northern black korhaan was first described in 1831 by the Scottish surgeon, explorer and zoologist Andrew Smith, who gave it the specific name "afraoides".

[3] Its habitat is grassland, with vegetation up to a metre high, grassy dunes, semi-arid scrubland and open veldt.

The male will often run away from an intruder with head and neck extended, before freezing, becoming surprisingly difficult to observe in the process.

The birds forage while walking along, feeding on and chasing after insects such as termites, ants, grasshoppers and beetles, as well as spiders, ticks and seeds.

The male has a courtship display involving dipping flights, flaring white feathers and the ritual chasing of other birds.