Small, strongly migratory starling; common on its wintering grounds, but localized when breeding, and often difficult to find when on migration. Male dark above, white below, but intricately patterned, with shades of violet, green, and orange in wings. Female has similar general pattern but brown above, grayish below. Prefers open areas between forests and meadows but feeds in open agricultural fields as well, often gathering in immense flocks.