The underparts are bright yellow with an olive wash on the sides of the breast, flanks and lower belly.

[3][6] The African yellow warbler forages low in the vegetation, either singly or in pairs.

It can be rather secretive but it will climb up to an exposed perch to sing but will dive into cover and creep away in a mouse-like fashion if disturbed.

[6] The nest is a neat cup made of grass, typically situated in the fork of branches within a bush or between upright stems.

In southern Africa typical species nested in include Leonotis, Conyza and Epilobium.