A dark starling with an ivory-colored bill, a dark red eye, and large red panels in the wings. Males have a dark head and females a pale gray one. The tail is relatively short and squared off. Found in rocky montane habitats, including woodland, dry forest, and scrub, often in flocks of up to dozens of individuals. Similar to other red-winged starlings, but easily separated by the pale bill and shorter tail. The vocalizations are quiet, chatty whistles.