Common Starling vs Mallard
Sturnus vulgaris 对比 Anas platyrhynchos
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 属性 | Common Starling | Mallard |
|---|---|---|
| 学名 | Sturnus vulgaris | Anas platyrhynchos |
| 目 | Passeriformes | Anseriformes |
| 科 | Sturnidae | Anatidae |
| 保护状况 | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| 体长 | 21.5 cm (8.5 in) | 58.0 cm (22.8 in) |
| 翼展 | 37.0 cm (14.6 in) | 90.0 cm (35.4 in) |
| 体重 | 78.0 g (2.75 oz) | 1100.0 g (38.80 oz) |
| 食性 | Omnivorous — insects and larvae (especially leatherjackets), earthworms, fruit, and seeds. Probes soil with open … | Omnivorous — aquatic plants, seeds, insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Feeds by dabbling, upending, and grazing … |
| 产卵数 | 4-7 | 4-18 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Common Starling
Open countryside, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Forms enormous communal roosts in winter, especially in urban environments.
Mallard
Nearly any wetland habitat including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, estuaries, and urban park ponds.
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.
Mallard
Female gives the classic 'quack-quack-quack', descending in pitch. Male utters soft nasal 'raeb-raeb'. Both give a high 'gag-gag-gag' when alarmed or taking flight.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Starling
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Mallard
Native across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia. Introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
保护状况
Common Starling
Mallard
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
Mallard
Breeding males have an iridescent green head, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and grey body. Females are mottled brown. Both sexes show a blue speculum bordered by white.
Broad, flat bill — yellow-green in males, orange-brown in females
About These Birds
Common Starling
紫翅椋鸟（Sturnus vulgaris）— 原产于欧亚大陆，已引入北美、澳大利亚和南非。具金属光泽的羽毛和白色斑点为特征。能形成壮观的大群（椋鸟旋舞）。
Mallard
The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic duck breeds and the most abundant and widespread dabbling duck in the world. Males perform elaborate courtship displays including head-bobbing and whistle-grunt calls. Mallards are highly adaptable, thriving in both wilderness and urban environments.