Chestnut-cheeked Starling vs Common Starling
Agropsar philippensis compared with Sturnus vulgaris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Chestnut-cheeked Starling | Common Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agropsar philippensis | Sturnus vulgaris |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae | Sturnidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 21.5 cm (8.5 in) |
| Wingspan | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) | 37.0 cm (14.6 in) |
| Weight | 39.4 g (1.39 oz) | 78.0 g (2.75 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Omnivorous — insects and larvae (especially leatherjackets), earthworms, fruit, and seeds. Probes soil with open … |
| Clutch Size | 3-7 | 4-7 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
Chestnut-cheeked Starling only
Common Starling only
Common Starling
Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms enormous communal roosts in winter, especially in urban environments.
Song & Call Comparison
Chestnut-cheeked Starling
Common Starling
A complex mimic: rattles, whistles, clicks, and squeaks mixed with imitations of other birds. Song is a continuous medley. Also gives harsh 'scheer' alarm and chattering.
Geographic Range & Migration
Chestnut-cheeked Starling
Common Starling
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Conservation Status
Chestnut-cheeked Starling
Common Starling
How to Tell Them Apart
Chestnut-cheeked Starling
Common Starling
Glossy black plumage with iridescent purple and green sheen in breeding season. Winter plumage shows white spotting. Short tail and pointed wings in flight.
Long, pointed bill — yellow in breeding season, dark in winter
About These Birds
Chestnut-cheeked Starling
The Chestnut-cheeked Starling, <em>Agropsar philippensis</em>, belongs to the family Sturnidae, the starlings and mynas, and breeds in eastern Asia before undertaking seasonal migrations. Detailed plumage and behavioral descriptions of this species are limited in the available literature. This species inhabits forest environments, including deciduous and mixed forests, and winters across parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Borneo. The Chestnut-cheeked Starling holds a conservation status of Least Concern. Diet information is not detailed in the available data. Clutch size …
Common Starling
The common starling is famous for its murmurations — vast swirling flocks of thousands that create mesmerizing patterns in winter skies. An accomplished mimic, it can imitate other birds, car alarms, and phone ringtones. Introduced to North America by a group intent on establishing every bird mentioned by Shakespeare.