Asian Glossy Starling or Red-Winged Starling?
Here's how to tell the difference
Asian Glossy Starling
Red-Winged Starling
Asian Glossy Starling
Aplonis panayensis
General appearance
The Asian glossy starling, also known as Aplonis panayensis, is widely recognized for its distinct, glossy dark-blue or greenish-blue plumage. They are medium-sized birds with pointed wings, short tail, and strong legs. Their eyes have a prominent white iris against a dark body offering a striking contrast.
Male vs female
Both male and female Asian glossy starlings have similar appearances, with no visible physical differentiation between the two genders. Both sexes sport the same shiny coloration and possess similar physical features, making it challenging to tell them apart in the wild based on appearance alone.
Juvenile
Juvenile Asian glossy starlings have less glossy brownish-black plumage compared to adults, with their feathers gradually gaining the characteristic adult gloss as they mature. Their eyes have a brownish iris, which turns white as they age. The lack of the glossy coloration and the eye color difference are the key distinguishing factors of juveniles from adults.
Size
6.7 - 7.9 in/1.8 - 2.1 oz
There's more to learn about Asian Glossy Starling
View full detailsRed-Winged Starling
Onychognathus morio
General appearance
The Red-winged Starling is a large, robust bird, measuring around 35 cm. It gets its name from the reddish plumage visible on the bend of the wing, which contrasts against the rest of its plumage, primarily glossy black with an iridescent sheen
Male vs female
Both males and females of this species share the same basic appearance. However, females tend to have a more brownish hue to their plumage, while males have a deeper, glossy black color. The reddish wing bars are also less prominent in females. They can be easily distinguished from males when they are in flight or spreading their wings
Juvenile
Juveniles resemble the adults but their feathers are less glossy. Their eyes are brownish until they mature, at which point they turn into the distinctive white of adults. The red in the wings also takes a few months to grow in fully, giving young bird's wings a splotchy appearance compared to adults.
Size
11.4 - 12.2 in/4.1 - 5.5 oz
There's more to learn about Red-Winged Starling
View full detailsHow to tell the Asian Glossy Starling from the Red-Winged Starling
Visual differences
The Asian Glossy Starling (6.7-7.9 inches, 1.8-2.1 ounces) is smaller and exhibits glossy dark-blue or greenish-blue plumage with striking white irises. In contrast, the larger Red-Winged Starling (11.4-12.2 inches, 4.1-5.5 ounces) features glossy black plumage with reddish wing patches, especially prominent in males. Female Red-Winged Starlings have a browner hue. Both species have pointed wings, but the Red-Winged Starling is notably more robust. Juveniles of both species have less glossy plumage; Red-Winged juvenile wings appear splotchy.
Key differences and behavior
The Asian Glossy Starling and Red-Winged Starling, both sociable and often seen in flocks, exhibit distinct behaviors. The Asian Glossy Starling, common in Southeast Asia's urban areas and open woodlands, is exceptionally noisy, often forming extensive roosts of up to 15,000 birds. It primarily eats fruits, berries, and insects. In contrast, the Red-Winged Starling, native to southeastern Africa, inhabits cliffs and urban zones, displaying aggression during nesting. It feeds on a diverse diet including fruits and insects. Breeding behaviors are vivid for both; however, Asian Glossy Starlings nest in tree cavities and building crevices, while Red-Winged Starlings prefer cliffs and reuse nesting sites. Both species engage in aerial courtship displays but differ in nesting site preferences, and aggressiveness during the breeding season, aiding field identification despite their similar diets and flocking behaviors.
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