A mostly gray-and-buff barred waxbill with a crimson ‘bandit’s’ eye-patch and black tail and rump. A predominantly gray waxbill with buff-washed underparts and fine barring all over the body, as well as a crimson “bandit’s” eye-patch and black tail and rump. Bill is black, but has a red base during the breeding season. Female is darker below than the male, with a duller eye-patch. Juvenile is browner, less barred and has a dark eye-patch. A fairly common resident of riverine scrub, thickets on hillsides, waterside vegetation and agricultural cereal fields; typically forages in pairs and flocks. Calls a nasal “dzeet” often in concert with others, and a loud buzzing. Only waxbill with a red eye-patch on the Arabian Peninsula.