Pretty waxbill that is gray, black, and white, with red highlights. The bright red rump is conspicuous in flight. Found in grassy areas within a variety of habitats, including forest edge, woodland, moist savanna, cultivation, and gardens. Usually in pairs or flocks. The calls include high-pitched “tsik” and “tseet” notes which are often given in chorus by a flock, especially in flight. Similar to Black-headed and Kandt’s Waxbills, but paler and grayer overall, with a white rather than black undertail.