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This is a common breeding resident, usually found locally, through out the dry lowlands. It is known to visit the wet lowlands occasionally. This species is also native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Egypt, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It has been introduced to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This is a sparrow-sized bird, which frequents reed beds and bulrushes growing on the edges of waterways, tanks and marshes. It is smaller than the Baya Weaver and appears darker due to its heavy streaks. During the breeding plumage the males develops a bright yellow cap but has no yellow on the breast area as in the case of the male Baya. Other than boldly streaked underparts, the breeding female has a yellow supercilium. The non-breeding male and female has a well-marked pale whitish supercilium and a whitish stripe between the eye and the suboculer area, and an oblique pale stripe behind the ear coverts.

As in the case with the Baya Weaver these birds live in flocks and they can easily be detected by their constant chattering and whistling.

I have seen this species at many locations in the low country dry zone including the Kumana, Wasgomuwa & Udawala national parks Minneriya, Rajangana, Anuradapura, Pollonnaruwa, Murunkan and Mannar.

In Wilpattu this is not a common species. I have seen this species at Holmbalagama Tank.