Large, chunky dark starling. In poor light looks black, but good light reveals purple, green, blue, and copper irridesence, and black spots on the shoulders. Found in and around humid forest at low and middle elevations. Usually in small flocks. Gives a wide variety of scolding, rasping, squealing, and liquid notes. Larger than other glossy starlings, except for the localized Principe Starling. Separated from that species by Splendid Starling’s purplish rather than bronzy underparts.