Chunky and large-billed bishop. Male shows yellow shoulders and rump in all plumages, but is otherwise the black in breeding plumage and streaky brown in non-breeding plumage. The female is brown and heavily streaked below, without yellow highlights. Found in grassland, open woodland, heathland, and cultivation. Usually in flocks, especially when not breeding. Song consists of simple twitters and sizzling notes. Females could be confused with many other species but usually associate with males, which show distinctive yellow shoulders and rump.