Common Blackbird vs Common Starling

Turdus merula comparado com Sturnus vulgaris

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Atributo Common Blackbird Common Starling
Nome científico Turdus merula Sturnus vulgaris
Ordem Passeriformes Passeriformes
Família Turdidae Sturnidae
Estado de conservação Least Concern Least Concern
Comprimento 25,0 cm (9.8 in) 21,5 cm (8.5 in)
Envergadura 36,0 cm (14.2 in) 37,0 cm (14.6 in)
Peso 100,0 g (3.53 oz) 78,0 g (2.75 oz)
Dieta Earthworms, insects, berries, and fruit. Forages on the ground, turning over leaf litter. Famously pulls … Omnivorous — insects and larvae (especially leatherjackets), earthworms, fruit, and seeds. Probes soil with open …
Tamanho da postura 3-5 4-7
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Common Blackbird 25,0 cm
Common Starling 21,5 cm
Envergadura
Common Blackbird 36,0 cm
Common Starling 37,0 cm
Peso
Common Blackbird 100,0 g
Common Starling 78,0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Habitats partilhados

Common Blackbird only

Common Starling only

Common Blackbird

Woodland, hedgerows, gardens, and parks. One of the most common garden birds across Europe.

Common Starling

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

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Song & Call Comparison

Common Blackbird

Canto

Arguably Britain's finest songster: rich, flute-like phrases with deep, mellow quality. Sings persistently at dusk. Alarm is a sharp 'chook-chook'. Song includes liquid 'pew' notes.

Common Starling

Canto

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.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Common Blackbird

Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Northern populations are migratory.

Common Starling

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

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Estado de conservação

Least Concern

Common Blackbird

Least Concern

Common Starling

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How to Tell Them Apart

Common Blackbird

Plumagem

Males are jet black with a bright yellow-orange bill and eye-ring. Females are dark brown with mottled underparts and a dull yellowish bill.

Bico

Bright yellow-orange bill in males, dull brownish in females

Common Starling

Plumagem

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

Bico

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

Key Differences

  • • Weight: Common Starling (78g) vs Common Blackbird (100g)
  • • Length: Common Starling (21.5 cm) vs Common Blackbird (25 cm)
  • • Wingspan: Common Starling (37 cm) vs Common Blackbird (36 cm)
  • • Family: Common Starling (Sturnidae) vs Common Blackbird (Turdidae)
  • • Habitat: Common Starling prefers Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms en; Common Blackbird prefers Woodland, hedgerows, gardens, and parks. One of the most com
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About These Birds

Common Blackbird

Melro-preto (Turdus merula) — 24-25 cm. Macho totalmente negro com bico e anel orbital laranjas vivos; fêmea castanho-escura com peito malhado. Amplamente distribuído pela Europa, Ásia e norte de África, introduzido na Austrália e Nova Zelândia. Cantor extraordinário com melodias complexas e fluidas. Habita florestas, jardins, parques e sebes.

Common Starling

Estorninho-malhado (Sturnus vulgaris) — 19-22 cm. Distribuído pela Europa e Ásia, introduzido na América do Norte, Austrália e África do Sul. Plumagem negra com reflexo metálico verde e roxo, com pontas brancas no inverno. Voo em bandos enormes (murmuração) é espetáculo notável. Excelente imitador. Omnívoro adaptável a ambientes urbanos e agrícolas.

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