This sharply attired black-and-white starling has a pointed yellowish bill with an orange base. Mainly black upperparts with white belly and white rump noticeable in flight. Note the bare, deep orange patch around its eye that contrasts with its white cheek. Easternmost birds have a white, streaked forehead. Seen in loose flocks close to human habitation feeding on human refuse. Garbage dumps, damp grazing lands, and well-watered parks are its favoured haunts. Noisy with a variety of calls that includes mimicked sounds of other birds.