An atypical and distinctive weaver. Shows a dark back, yellow underparts, and a pale bill. There is geographical variation: some populations show a dark gray back, while others are black, and the throat varies from yellow to gray-spotted to black. Found in forest and thick woodland, including miombo. Usually in pairs; rarely in flocks. The distinctive song is a syncopated mix of very different call types, usually given as a duet. Other forest-dwelling weavers are somewhat similar but always show greenish tones on their backs and/or rufous tones on their underparts.