Blackbird Vs Starling: Key Differences Explained

Blackbirds and Starlings are both common birds found all across the UK. They share a similar size and are both found in urban gardens where they search for food.

However, there are enough differences between these two species to make a positive identification possible even at a distance. In this article we’ll take a closer look at these differences helping you to distinguish between these two British garden birds.

Keep reading to find out more.

Key Takeaways

• Blackbirds are slightly larger than Starlings
• Blackbirds are all black with a bright orange-yellow beak and eye-ring
• Starlings have glossy black feathers with an iridescent sheen of green and purple, often with white spots in winter
• Blackbirds are common in gardens, parks, woodlands, and hedgerows
• Starlings are found in urban areas, farmland, and near human habitation
• Blackbirds are mainly solitary birds or seen in pairs
• Starlings are highly social and are often found in large flocks
• Blackbirds have a distinctively melodic song
• Starlings are great mimics and make a wide range of sounds including; cheeps, tweets, burrs and clicks

What Is The Difference Between A Blackbird And A Starling?

The Blackbird and the Starling are two common birds in the UK, but there are several differences between the two. These differences include;

Visual Differences

Male Blackbirds have jet black feathers with a bright orange-yellow beak and eye-ring. Females are brownish, often with streaky or mottled markings on the chest. 

Blackbirds are slightly larger than Starlings which can also help in distinguishing between the two species.

Male Starlings have glossy black feathers with an iridescent sheen of green and purple, often with white spots in winter. They have a yellow bill in summer which becomes dark in winter.

Females have a less metallic shine to their plumage and lighter coloured bills.

Differences In Habitat

Blackbirds are year round residents and are common in gardens, parks, woodlands, and hedgerows throughout the UK.

Starlings are also year round residents but numbers swell during winter with many European birds migrating to the UK. They are found in urban areas, farmland, and near human habitation. They adapt well to different environments.

Differences In Behaviour

Blackbirds tend to be solitary or are seen in pairs most of the time. They forage on the ground for food often in gardens and wooded areas. They tend to eat worms, insects and berries.

Starlings are highly social and are often found in large flocks, especially during migration or in winter. They are more aggressive than Blackbirds especially when competing for food and will often intimidate other species just by the sheer number of Starlings in the feeding area.

Starlings are known for their murmurations, which are stunning aerial displays performed by large flocks.

Nests & Eggs

 Blackbirds typically build their nests in dense shrubs, trees, hedges, or sometimes in ivy-covered walls or buildings. They prefer concealed areas for protection.

The nest is a neat, cup-shaped structure made from grass, twigs, and other plant materials, reinforced with mud. The inner lining is often made of finer materials like grass or moss for added comfort.

Starlings prefer to nest in cavities, such as holes in trees, crevices in buildings, or even in man-made nest boxes. They do not build nests in open areas like Blackbirds.

Starlings create a looser and messier nest compared to Blackbirds. They use grass, feathers, leaves, and any available soft material. They may also use materials like wool or paper, creating a less structured nest within the cavity.

Blackbird eggs are usually pale blue or bluish-green with brown or reddish speckles. They tend to lay 3 to 5 eggs in a clutch and each egg is around 27 x 30 mm in size.

Starling eggs are pale blue, often without any markings. The average clutch size is around 4 to 6 eggs and each egg is around 21 x 30 mm in size.

Bird Calls

The song of the Blackbird is rich and melodious and is often heard in parks and gardens all around the UK. Both male and female Blackbirds are vocal in defending their territories during the breeding season but are more sociable outside of the breeding season.

Starlings have amazing vocal abilities.They can mimic any number of bird calls and other sounds. They produce a large array of cheeps, tweets, burrs and clicks. Males are more vocal during the breeding season and use a variety of calls and sounds to attract a mate and defend their territories.

Size & Weight

Blackbirds are slightly larger than Starlings but there’s not that much difference which means you will need other visual clues to determine the species.

Blackbirds have an average length of around 24 to 25 cm with a wingspan of around 34 to 38.5 cm and weigh in at around 80 to 100 grams.

Starlings have an average length of around 21 cm overall, with a wingspan of around 37 to 42 cm. The average weight of a Starling is around 75 to 90 grams.

SEE ALSO: Sand Martin Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions