A distinctive ashy-gray starling with a conspicuous, bulbous pale bill and fine red flecks on the rump. Juvenile browner, with orange coloring to rump and paler bill. Highly gregarious and vocal, often observed in flocks of dozens, frequenting the canopy. A species of lowlands and hills, preferring open woodlands and forest edge, particularly favoring tall dead trees, where they nest communally in cavities. Restricted to Sulawesi and nearby islands. Vociferous, regularly uttering “chirup” calls, typically as a large, noisy group.