Common Starling vs European Robin
Sturnus vulgaris comparé à Erithacus rubecula
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Common Starling | European Robin |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Sturnus vulgaris | Erithacus rubecula |
| Ordre | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Famille | Sturnidae | Muscicapidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | 21,5 cm (8.5 in) | 14,0 cm (5.5 in) |
| Envergure | 37,0 cm (14.6 in) | 21,0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Poids | 78,0 g (2.75 oz) | 18,0 g (0.63 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Omnivorous — insects and larvae (especially leatherjackets), earthworms, fruit, and seeds. Probes soil with open … | Insects, worms, and berries. Often follows gardeners and large animals to catch invertebrates disturbed from … |
| Taille de la couvée | 4-7 | 4-7 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Habitats partagés
Aucun(e)
Common Starling only
European Robin only
Common Starling
Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms enormous communal roosts in winter, especially in urban environments.
European Robin
Woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens across Europe. Remarkably tame around humans, especially in Britain.
Song & Call Comparison
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.
European Robin
Exquisite, melancholic melody of thin whistled phrases, rising and falling softly. Rich, warbling song year-round; both sexes sing. Alarm call is a sharp 'tic-tic-tic'.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Starling
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
European Robin
Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. Northern populations migrate south in winter; western European populations are largely resident.
Statut de conservation
Common Starling
European Robin
How to Tell Them Apart
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
European Robin
Olive-brown upperparts with a warm orange-red breast and face bordered by grey. White belly and undertail coverts.
Thin, pointed dark brown bill
About These Birds
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.
European Robin
The European robin is one of the most beloved birds in Britain, where it is the unofficial national bird. Despite its friendly demeanor toward humans, robins are fiercely territorial against their own kind, singing year-round to defend territory. Their distinctive song is one of the first to be heard at dawn.