The English and scientific names commemorate the German explorer Gustav Fischer.

[2] The adult of this 18 cm (7.1 in) long, 51 g (1.8 oz) starling has mainly dully ash-grey plumage except for a white lower chest, belly and undertail.

The sexes are alike, but the juvenile has browner plumage, a brown iris and a dull yellow lower mandible.

Up to six red-spotted blue eggs make up the clutch, and are laid in April to May and September to November.

Both parents feed the chicks, assisted by helpers, which are typically subadult or unmated birds.