Red-Billed Starling vs Spotless Starling

Red-Billed Starling

Spodiopsar sericeus

How to recognise a red-billed starling?

General appearance

The Red-Billed Starling is a medium-sized bird known for its glossy, black plumage that sometimes shimmers under light, and a starkly contrasting red bill. Adults typically measure between 20 to 25 cm, with strong legs, robust bodies, and a relatively short tail. Its eyes are usually dark brown. The species is quick on foot and displays dexterous flying skills.

Male vs female

Male and female Red-Billed Starlings are surprisingly similar in appearance, with both sexes boasting glossy black plumage and a bright red bill. However, the males tend to be slightly larger than the females. Females may also show a lighter coloration around the bill during breeding season, acting as a possible identifier.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-Billed Starlings lack the glossy sheen seen in adults and have a darker, brownish-black plumage. Their bills are usually darker, not becoming fully red until they reach adulthood. Juveniles' eyes appear to be more of a dull grey than the rich brown seen in adults. Despite their lack of striking coloration, their overall structure greatly resembles that of adults.

Size

8.3 - 9.4 in/2.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

Red-billed starlings are predominantly found throughout China, specifically in areas with moderate climates. They favor mountainous regions with dense woodland and shrubland.

Additional range

Additionally, these birds can occupy an expanded range that includes urban areas and parks. Despite their preference for woodlands, they demonstrate adaptability to several environments.

Range Map

What do red-billed starlings like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-billed starling primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. It is known to consume a variety of berries, especially during the breeding season. The starling also hunts for small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and crustaceans. These birds are often seen foraging on the ground or in trees, taking advantage of the availability of food sources in different environments.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, red-billed starlings tend to eat a variety of commercially available birdseed mixes, including sunflower seeds and cracked corn. They are also attracted to suet and may occasionally consume bread or fruit offerings. Although not as common as other backyard birds at feeders, when present, the red-billed starling adapts to the easy food supply provided.

What does a red-billed starling sound like?

The Red-billed Starling’s vocalizations include both intricate songs and calls. Its song, often delivered from a prominent perch or in flight, is a melodious and continuous warbling with repetitive phrases. The call is typically a harsh, loud “chack” or “churr”. In a mixed-species flock, their combined chatter adds an abundant background noise. Males are known to be more vocally active and engage in varied performances aiming for territorial defense or attracting a mate.

Call

Audio by Ding Li Yong

/ CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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Spotless Starling

Sturnus unicolor

How to recognise a spotless starling?

General appearance

The Spotless Starling is a large starling with sleek, glossy feathers. They are mostly deep black in color but reflect iridescent purples and greens in the light. Spotless Starlings have a sharp, pointed bill, which is yellow in color and long, slender legs that are reddish-brown.

Male vs female

Males and females are similar in appearance. They are both mostly black with iridescence. The most reliable way to differentiate is through their calls. Males have much more varied song patterns and often mimic other birds. Females also sing but their songs are shorter and less complex.

Juvenile

Juvenile Spotless Starlings have a more dull coloration than adults, being greyish-brown, and lack the adult’s glossy sheen. Their bills are dark compared to the yellow of adults. As they mature, their coloration darkens and they develop the characteristic sheen of adults.

Size

8.3 - 9.1 in/2.5 - 3.5 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The spotless starling primarily inhabits the Mediterranean region, enjoying open woodlands, farmlands, and urban areas. It is adaptable to various climates but prefers mild winters.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, spotless starlings also thrive in colder, more arid environments such as the high altitudes of the Iberian Peninsula and northern Africa.

Range Map

What do spotless starlings like to eat?

Natural diet

The spotless starling primarily consumes insects and invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Its diet includes beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, spiders, and various larvae. Additionally, it feeds on a variety of plant materials such as fruits, berries, and seeds. Depending on availability, it may also consume agricultural crops like olives and grapes, particularly in Mediterranean regions where these starlings are commonly found.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the spotless starling is known to eat a variety of foods typically offered to common backyard birds. It readily consumes seeds, suet, and mealworms. Black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts may also attract them to feeders. However, they prefer soft foods, so fruit pieces and bread scraps can be particularly enticing, making them a popular garden visitor where these items are provided.

What does a spotless starling sound like?

The Spotless Starling produces a variety of calls and songs. Its typical call is a harsh "cherr" or wolf-whistle-like "whee-oo". The songs are diverse and complex, composed of an array of unique notes, repeated phrases, and mimicry of other birds. Male and female song patterns vary, with males singing throughout the year and females concentrating their singing to the breeding season. The starling's song is sung with vigor, often accompanied by wing fluttering.

Song

Audio by Joost van Bruggen

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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Red-Billed Starling

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Spotless Starling

Red-Billed Starling

Spodiopsar sericeus

General appearance

The Red-Billed Starling is a medium-sized bird known for its glossy, black plumage that sometimes shimmers under light, and a starkly contrasting red bill. Adults typically measure between 20 to 25 cm, with strong legs, robust bodies, and a relatively short tail. Its eyes are usually dark brown. The species is quick on foot and displays dexterous flying skills.

Male vs female

Male and female Red-Billed Starlings are surprisingly similar in appearance, with both sexes boasting glossy black plumage and a bright red bill. However, the males tend to be slightly larger than the females. Females may also show a lighter coloration around the bill during breeding season, acting as a possible identifier.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-Billed Starlings lack the glossy sheen seen in adults and have a darker, brownish-black plumage. Their bills are usually darker, not becoming fully red until they reach adulthood. Juveniles' eyes appear to be more of a dull grey than the rich brown seen in adults. Despite their lack of striking coloration, their overall structure greatly resembles that of adults.

Size

8.3 - 9.4 in/2.3 oz

There's more to learn about Red-Billed Starling

View full details

Spotless Starling

Sturnus unicolor

General appearance

The Spotless Starling is a large starling with sleek, glossy feathers. They are mostly deep black in color but reflect iridescent purples and greens in the light. Spotless Starlings have a sharp, pointed bill, which is yellow in color and long, slender legs that are reddish-brown.

Male vs female

Males and females are similar in appearance. They are both mostly black with iridescence. The most reliable way to differentiate is through their calls. Males have much more varied song patterns and often mimic other birds. Females also sing but their songs are shorter and less complex.

Juvenile

Juvenile Spotless Starlings have a more dull coloration than adults, being greyish-brown, and lack the adult’s glossy sheen. Their bills are dark compared to the yellow of adults. As they mature, their coloration darkens and they develop the characteristic sheen of adults.

Size

8.3 - 9.1 in/2.5 - 3.5 oz

There's more to learn about Spotless Starling

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How to tell the Red-Billed Starling from the Spotless Starling

Visual differences

The Red-Billed Starling (8.3-9.4 inches, 2.3-2.3 oz) has glossy black plumage with a distinct red bill and dark brown eyes. Spotless Starling (8.3-9.1 inches, 2.5-3.5 oz) is similar in size but features iridescent black with reflections of purple and green, a sharp yellow bill, and reddish-brown legs. Juvenile Red-Billed Starlings are darker without sheen, while juvenile Spotless Starlings are dull gray-brown. Both have distinct adult coloration, yet the Red-Billed's red bill and Spotless's iridescent feathers notably aid in differentiation.

Key differences and behavior

The Red-Billed Starling (Spodiopsar sericeus) and Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor) exhibit distinct behaviors that can aid in identification. Red-Billed Starlings are notably noisy, forming immense winter roosts, and are adaptable to varied habitats, including urban settings in China. In contrast, Spotless Starlings, found in Mediterranean regions, walk rather than hop and exhibit social winter flocks up to 100,000. Both engage in elaborate courtship; however, Spotless males mimic more diverse sounds. Breeding habitats are similar, favoring cavities. Red-Billed Starlings lean towards fruits and seeds, while Spotless Starlings focus on insects, particularly during breeding. At feeders, both enjoy seeds and fruits, yet Spotless prefers softer offerings. Red-Billed Starlings weigh about 2.3 oz (64-65g), while Spotless Starlings weigh more at 2.5-3.5 oz (70-100g), both being around 8-9 inches in length.

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Red-Billed Starling or Spotless Starling?

Red-Billed Starling

How to recognise a red-billed starling?

Habitat

What do red-billed starlings like to eat?

What does a red-billed starling sound like?

Call

There's more to learn about Red-Billed Starling

Spotless Starling

How to recognise a spotless starling?

Habitat

What do spotless starlings like to eat?

What does a spotless starling sound like?

Song

There's more to learn about Spotless Starling

Red-Billed Starling

There's more to learn about Red-Billed Starling

Spotless Starling

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How to tell the Red-Billed Starling from the Spotless Starling

Visual differences

Key differences and behavior

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Spotless Starling

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