Sturdy songbird of open farmlands and fields; can often be found fairly close to human habitation. Adult male has soft brown head and breast, bluish bill, and white belly. Female darker, with dirty brown extending from the head down to the back and belly. Both sexes have white rumps, black flight feathers, and bright white wing coverts. Often found in large flocks with other starlings. Notably smaller and stouter than many of the other starlings in its range.