Handsome and striking starling with a mask-like patch of bare yellow skin around the eyes. White with black wingtips; birds on southeastern Java and Bali have dark gray backs as well. Forages predominantly in trees and occasionally descends to the ground. Usually in small flocks. Gives a variety of chatters, whistles, and buzzes. Generally restricted to mangrove forests in northwest Java, but can be found in a range of forests, forest edges, and fields elsewhere in its range. Formerly common and widespread, now vanishingly rare and restricted to protected areas as a result of the cagebird trade.