This seedeater is rare and local in montane areas of southern Tanzania. It occurs in forest, at forest edges, and in lush scrub, and is notable for its large, heavy bill.
It is dark brown above and white below, with heavily streaked underparts and white marks around the eye. The bill is large and bulging.
It is found locally in montane forest, forest edge, and lush scrub. Its song is a fast mix of whistled and rattling notes.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.