A large glossy-black starling with a graduated, pointed tail and brick-red windows in the wings that are striking in flight. The male and female have black and gray heads respectively. Pairs and flocks prefer rocky outcrops and gorges, but have adapted to buildings in urban areas; they avoid forests. The species gives a characteristic loud liquid oriole-like “wher-teooo” contact call and other musical whistles and warbles. It is often the default “red-winged” starling within its range, where it is most easily confused with Slender-billed Starling, but the latter’s weaker bill and longer graduated tail identify it.