Common Starling vs Downy Woodpecker

Sturnus vulgaris 比較対象 Picoides pubescens

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Side-by-Side Comparison

属性 Common Starling Downy Woodpecker
学名 Sturnus vulgaris Picoides pubescens
Passeriformes Piciformes
Sturnidae Picidae
保全状況 Least Concern Least Concern
体長 21.5 cm (8.5 in) 16.0 cm (6.3 in)
翼開長 37.0 cm (14.6 in) 28.0 cm (11.0 in)
体重 78.0 g (2.75 oz) 27.0 g (0.95 oz)
食性 Omnivorous — insects and larvae (especially leatherjackets), earthworms, fruit, and seeds. Probes soil with open … Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often …
一腹卵数 4-7 --
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Common Starling 21.5 cm
Downy Woodpecker 16.0 cm
翼開長
Common Starling 37.0 cm
Downy Woodpecker 28.0 cm
体重
Common Starling 78.0 g
Downy Woodpecker 27.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

共通生息地

None

Common Starling only

Downy Woodpecker only

None

Common Starling

Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms enormous communal roosts in winter, especially in urban environments.

Downy Woodpecker

Deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. The most common woodpecker at feeders in North America.

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Song & Call Comparison

Common Starling

さえずり

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.

Downy Woodpecker

さえずり

A sharp 'pik' or 'peek' contact call. Drums on resonant branches with a rapid, light tattoo — softer than larger woodpeckers. Also gives a high descending whinny 'keeer-keeer'.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Common Starling

Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Downy Woodpecker

North America from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, excluding the arid Southwest.

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保全状況

Least Concern

Common Starling

Least Concern

Downy Woodpecker

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How to Tell Them Apart

Common Starling

羽毛

Glossy black plumage with iridescent purple and green sheen in breeding season. Winter plumage shows white spotting. Short tail and pointed wings in flight.

くちばし

Long, pointed bill — yellow in breeding season, dark in winter

Downy Woodpecker

羽毛

Black and white plumage with a broad white stripe down the back. Black wings with white spots. Males have a small red patch on the nape.

くちばし

Short, chisel-shaped, dark bill — noticeably shorter than the similar hairy woodpecker

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About These Birds

Common Starling

ホシムクドリ(Sturnus vulgaris)— ユーラシア原産で北米・豪州・南アフリカに移入された。金属光沢のある羽と白い斑点が特徴。巨大な群れ(マーモレーション)を形成する。

Downy Woodpecker

The downy woodpecker is the smallest and most widespread woodpecker in North America. Its small size allows it to forage on thin branches and weed stems that larger woodpeckers cannot access. Downies often join mixed-species flocks in winter, benefiting from the extra vigilance of multiple species watching for predators.

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