American Crow vs Common Starling
Corvus brachyrhynchos comparé à Sturnus vulgaris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | American Crow | Common Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Corvus brachyrhynchos | Sturnus vulgaris |
| Ordre | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Famille | Corvidae | Sturnidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | 45,0 cm (17.7 in) | 21,5 cm (8.5 in) |
| Envergure | 99,0 cm (39.0 in) | 37,0 cm (14.6 in) |
| Poids | 450,0 g (15.87 oz) | 78,0 g (2.75 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Highly omnivorous — insects, earthworms, seeds, fruit, eggs, nestlings, carrion, and human food waste. Among … | Omnivorous — insects and larvae (especially leatherjackets), earthworms, fruit, and seeds. Probes soil with open … |
| Taille de la couvée | 3-7 | 4-7 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
American Crow
Extremely adaptable — found in farmland, open woodland, suburban neighborhoods, parking lots, and urban parks.
Common Starling
Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms enormous communal roosts in winter, especially in urban environments.
Song & Call Comparison
American Crow
Classic 'caw-caw-caw' repeated in series. Family groups use distinct dialects. Also gives rattling, knocking, and a short 'cah' flight call. Highly social and vocal.
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
American Crow
North America from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico.
Common Starling
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Statut de conservation
American Crow
Common Starling
How to Tell Them Apart
American Crow
All black with a slight glossy sheen. Squared-off tail and smooth throat distinguish it from the common raven.
Straight, sturdy black bill smaller than a raven's
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
American Crow
The American crow is one of North America's most familiar and intelligent birds. Research has shown they can recognize individual human faces and communicate perceived threats to other crows. They form large winter roosts of up to hundreds of thousands of individuals in some cities.
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.