A distinctive and attractive waxbill with a deep-blue tail and a red bill. Males are more colorful, with a purple belly, a rufous hood, and purple and red around the eye. Females are mostly rufous with pale blue patches above and below the eye. Found in a variety of savanna and woodland habitats, often in small flocks, sometimes mixed with other species. Gives high-pitched squeaking and rattling calls and a lisping, whistled song.