Common Starling vs Cape Starling
Sturnus vulgaris comparé à Lamprotornis nitens
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Common Starling | Cape Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Sturnus vulgaris | Lamprotornis nitens |
| Ordre | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Famille | Sturnidae | Sturnidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | 21,5 cm (8.5 in) | — |
| Envergure | 37,0 cm (14.6 in) | 23,7 cm (9.3 in) |
| Poids | 78,0 g (2.75 oz) | 89,51666666666667 g (3.16 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Omnivorous — insects and larvae (especially leatherjackets), earthworms, fruit, and seeds. Probes soil with open … | -- |
| Taille de la couvée | 4-7 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Habitats partagés
Aucun(e)
Common Starling only
Cape Starling only
Aucun(e)
Common Starling
Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms enormous communal roosts in winter, especially in urban environments.
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.
Cape Starling
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Starling
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Cape Starling
Statut de conservation
Common Starling
Cape Starling
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
Cape Starling
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.