The Village Weaver is also known as the Spotted-backed Weaver and the Black-headed Weaver (which is the same name Ploceus melanocephalus) is called. They are found in most of sub-Saharan Africa.

The breeding males of the various sub-species all have black on their heads edged by chestnut. The amount varies between the sub-species. The underparts are yellow and the upperparts are black and yellow. During non-breeding, the male yellow plumage becomes more whitish-gray and the black head becomes a dirty yellow. The female has a yellowish head, pale yellow underparts and yellow and black wings.

Village Weaver mainly eat seeds and grain. Insects are also eaten and given to the young.