Common throughout southern Africa, the Masked Weaver is widespread and found in a range of habitats including shrubland, savanna, grassland, open woodland, inland wetlands and semi-desert areas. It also occurs in suburban gardens and parks.

It is a colonial nesting bird, building their nests in trees and often over water but sometimes in suburbia. The male Masked Weaver will build around 25 nests in one breeding season and have several female partners. The female will line the selected nest with soft grass and feathers.