Red-Billed Starling vs Tristram’s 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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Tristram’s Starling

Onychognathus tristramii

Also known as: Tristram's Grackle

How to recognise a Tristram's starling?

General appearance

The Tristram’s starling, also known as the Tristram’s grackle, is a vibrantly coloured species of bird. The starlings display a glossy, black body complemented by distinct orange patches on the wing. The length of the bird varies from 25 to 30 cm. The wings are triangular and broad-tipped, providing a silhouette that aids in identification. Its eyes are also notably yellow.

Male vs female

Male and female Tristram’s starlings are fairly similar in appearance. Both sexes display the characteristic black and orange plumage. Minor differences can be seen in the size and the wing markings. Males are slightly larger and have a broader patch of orange on their wings compared to females. There are no known seasonal variations in appearance for either males or females.

Juvenile

Juvenile Tristram’s starlings have a different coloration from the adults. Instead of the glossy black body, juveniles have a dusky brown coloration. The typical orange wing patches are absent or not as vivid in young birds. The changes in coloration occur gradually as they mature into adults.

Size

9.4 - 9.8 in/4.1 - 4.6 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

Tristram’s starling is native to the Middle East, particularly in deserts and semi-arid regions of Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, these birds adapt to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens. They thrive in both extremely hot and cold desert temperatures.

Range Map

What do Tristram’s starlings like to eat?

Natural diet

Tristram’s starlings primarily feed on a diverse range of natural food sources. Their diet includes fruits, such as figs and dates, which they consume directly from trees. Insects are another major component, consisting of beetles, grasshoppers, and other small invertebrates. These birds are also known to forage for seeds and berries in their natural habitats, which include rocky cliffs and dry desert areas.

Bird feeders

While Tristram’s starlings may visit bird feeders, they are less common than other species at such feeding stations. However, when they do partake, they show a preference for suet, fruit pieces, and seeds commonly offered by bird enthusiasts. Sunflower seeds, in particular, can attract these birds to bird feeders located within or near their natural range.

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Red-Billed Starling

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Tristram’s 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

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Tristram’s Starling

Onychognathus tristramii

Also known as: Tristram's Grackle

General appearance

The Tristram’s starling, also known as the Tristram’s grackle, is a vibrantly coloured species of bird. The starlings display a glossy, black body complemented by distinct orange patches on the wing. The length of the bird varies from 25 to 30 cm. The wings are triangular and broad-tipped, providing a silhouette that aids in identification. Its eyes are also notably yellow.

Male vs female

Male and female Tristram’s starlings are fairly similar in appearance. Both sexes display the characteristic black and orange plumage. Minor differences can be seen in the size and the wing markings. Males are slightly larger and have a broader patch of orange on their wings compared to females. There are no known seasonal variations in appearance for either males or females.

Juvenile

Juvenile Tristram’s starlings have a different coloration from the adults. Instead of the glossy black body, juveniles have a dusky brown coloration. The typical orange wing patches are absent or not as vivid in young birds. The changes in coloration occur gradually as they mature into adults.

Size

9.4 - 9.8 in/4.1 - 4.6 oz

There's more to learn about Tristram’s Starling

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How to tell the Red-Billed Starling from the Tristram’s Starling

Visual differences

The Red-Billed Starling (8-9.5 inches long, 2.3 oz) features glossy black plumage with a red bill, dark brown eyes, and lacks wing color accents. Tristram's Starling (9.5-11.8 inches, 4-4.6 oz) is larger, with glossy black bodies, distinct orange wing patches, and yellow eyes. Both species' males are slightly larger, but Tristram's has broader orange patches for males. Juveniles of both species differ from adults: Red-Billed with darker plumage and Tristram's with dusky brown bodies and muted wing colors.

Key differences and behavior

Red-Billed and Tristram’s Starlings exhibit key behavioral differences. Red-Billed Starlings from China adapt to mountainous and urban areas, forming large, sociable winter roosts, whereas Tristram’s Starlings, native to the Middle East, frequent deserts and urban areas, exhibiting resourcefulness by riding livestock and engaging closely with humans. Breeding involves both species sharing incubation, but Red-Billed Starlings opt for tree cavities or urban spaces, while Tristram’s prefer rocky cliffs. Diet-wise, both enjoy fruits and insects; however, Red-Billed Starlings also engage with bird feeders, while Tristram’s mainly forage for figs and desert insects. Their calls differ too, with Red-Billed’s being notably loud and Tristram’s less so. Tristram's display more vibrant behavior during courtship contrasts. Both species are of similar length (8-11 inches), yet Tristram’s is heavier (up to 4.6 oz versus Red-Billed’s 2.3 oz).

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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

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Tristram’s Starling

How to recognise a Tristram's starling?

Habitat

What do Tristram’s starlings like to eat?

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Visual differences

Key differences and behavior

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