Has a typical weaver color scheme but an unusual shape: a chunky body, heavy bill, and short tail. Breeding males and females have a black mask, and the crown is yellow in males and black in females. Non-breeding birds are more distinctive than typical non-breeding weavers: buff below, with a dark crown and eye-stripe. Found in wet and grassy microhabitats within savanna, forest, scrub, and cultivation. Usually in small flocks. Along with typical weaver “chit” notes and sizzling, “radio static” song, also often gives a “cheep” call. Superficially similar to other weavers, but separated by distinctive shape.