Medium-sized weaver. Breeding males are striking with a black face and neck and a dark brown iris that contrasts with its yellow body. Female and nonbreeding male similar with a yellow breast and white belly. Usually found in marshy areas with tall grass. Builds a basket nest, woven together with grass and sticks that hangs from trees. Territorial males give a squeaking, wheezing song. Native to central, western, and northwestern Africa; introduced to the Iberian Peninsula.