A Vinous-breasted Starling resting on the pinnacle of one of the many pagodas in Pagan. It has a pale grayish head with a naked black mask, while below it is pale vinous-brownish, whilst the wing coverts are dark greyish with a small white patch.

As with many other starling species, the white wing patch is much larger and better visible during flight, as it contrasts with the dark wings.