This large gregarious starling is distributed in lowlands in Luzon and have been commonly spotted in the Metro Manila area. It inhabits open country, cultivated lands and even urban locations, sometimes perched on telephone wires. The nest, made of grass is placed on crevices in  trees and buildings. At rest, the bird is mostly black with an obvious crest and has yellow bill and legs. There is a white tip to the tail, and in flight, distinctive white wing patches can be seen. They can be taught to imitate sounds, and can even copy human words.