They range in size from 8-24 cm, and if the long decorative tail feathers are included, some reach up to 67 cm. Male weavers often have a striking nuptial plumage, but after the breeding season, assume a duller one. Usually the rearing of the young is left to the female, although the male weaverbirds tend to take on the nest building task. Some weavers build very elaborate nests with tightly woven threads and branches, while others are loosely fit together. Their beaks are very strong, but can differ in appearance depending on the species.
Most weavers live in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert.
Others can be found on Madagascar and adjacent islands and in southern Asia. There are two species that have been introduced into Australia and the New World. They eat grains, mainly grass seeds, or insects.