[1] The species was first identified by Anton Reichenow and named Spreo torquatus, from the Latin for "torquated", referring to the coloration around the neck of the male.

They were placed into its current genus Grafisia by George Latimer Bates in 1926, based on substantial differences between the white-collared starling and members of either Spreo or Stilbopsar.

Adult males have a glossy-black plumage save for a white patch on the chest which extends up to the wings; their bill and legs are black and a bright yellow iris.

Nest-building activity has been observed in March, and males collected at that time were found to have large testes;[11] these facts combined with the appearance of juvenile species between May and July suggest that breeding occurs in the first half of the year.

In one instance, a male was seen to make short circular flights from a conspicuous pearch, which was interpreted as a courtship display.