Unusual dark weaver that shows major geographical variation. Males in the west have a chestnut back and belly, while those in the east are all black. Throughout the range, females are uniformly dark olive-green. Found in wet scrub, cultivation, and along forest edge. Usually found in flocks and bustling breeding colonies. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling, “radio static” song. In the east, very similar to Maxwell’s Black Weaver, but is larger and prefers more open habitats; males have a bright yellow rather than gray eye.