The robust red bill, black plumage and white wing pactches are diagnostic of this large weaver. In flight, it might be mistaken for Pale-winged Starling but the chunky red bill should eliminate confusion.
Female and juvenile are brown versions of male.
Dry thornveld and broad-leaved woodland. Breeds communally, making untidy masses of sticks in large trees or on electricity pylons.
Song a 'chip-chip-doodley-doodley-dooo'.