It is found in southern China and most of mainland Southeast Asia, and has been introduced to Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.

The head is white, with a yellow patch of bare skin around the eye, and a black collar around the neck.

[8] This species is found in southern China from Fujian to Yunnan, and south to Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

[10] This starling lives in grassland, dry forest, cultivated areas and human settlements, mostly occurring at low elevations, but also up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

[7] A very vocal bird, its calls include shrill, harsh, melodious and discordant notes, such as a jay-like kraak kraak, a whistling prrü resembling a bee-eater, and a pü-pü-pü-pü similar to a "hesitant" rufous-capped babbler.

[7] The breeding season has been recorded as February to May in Thailand, March to July in China, and April to August in Burma.

The large, domed nest is constructed from twigs, grasses, feathers and flowers.