Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms enormous communal roosts in winter, especially in urban environments.
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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Common Starling
鸣唱
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.
Ashy Starling
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Geographic Range & Migration
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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.
Ashy Starling
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Conservation Status Comparison
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保护状况
Least Concern
Common Starling
Least Concern
Ashy Starling
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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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.
喙
Long, pointed bill — yellow in breeding season, dark in winter
Ashy Starling
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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The Ashy Starling is a medium-sized starling endemic to Tanzania, found in dry acacia woodland and bushland. Weighing about 61g with a wingspan near 24.6cm, it has uniform grey-brown plumage lacking the iridescence typical of many starlings. It feeds on fruit and insects and often moves in small flocks.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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