It was previously considered a subspecies (Upupa epops marginata) of the hoopoe, but was split due to its vocalisations and small differences in plumage.

It has a long, decurved bill, and cinnamon-coloured plumage, the wings being boldly barred in black and white.

The tail is black and a long, cinnamon crest with black-tipped feathers can be raised when the bird is alarmed.

[4] The Madagascar hoopoe usually occurs alone or in pairs, foraging on the ground, walking a few steps and then looking around, bobbing its head, probing the soil and leaf litter with its beak, picking items off the surface of the ground, probing dung and investigating crevices.

When disturbed it may fly to a horizontal branch where it perches, flashing its wings and raising and lowering its crest.