Blackcap Warbler Vs Starling: Key Differences Explained

The Blackcap Warbler (Sylvia atricapilla) and the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) are both fairly easy to recognise birds that can both be seen in the UK. However, there are enough differences to make identification between the two species quite easy.

In this article we’ll be looking at these differences making it easier for you to distinguish between the two in the field. Keep reading to find out more.

Key Takeaways

• Starlings are much larger than Blackcap Warblers
• Blackcap Warblers are more muted in colours whereas Starlings are glossy and iridescent
• Blackcaps are more solitary birds whereas Starlings are highly social
• Blackcap Warblers have a rich, melodious song whereas Starlings are mimics with varied vocalisations
• Blackcap Warblers are mainly insectivores whereas Starlings are omnivorous

What Is The Difference Between A Blackcap Warbler And A Starling?

The Blackcap Warbler and the Starling are two distinct bird species that differ in various aspects, including their appearance, behaviour, diet, and habitats. Let’s take a closer look at those differences;

Visual Differences

Blackcap Warblers are smaller than Starlings and have a primarily grey body. Males have a distinctive black crown (from where they get their name) while females and juveniles have a brown crown. 

Both sexes have a slightly paler underbody and are slender with relatively short tails and thin beaks.

Starlings are around ⅓  larger than Blackcap Warblers with glossy backs with iridescent shades of green and purple, particularly in their breeding plumage. In winter, they have white spots. Females share similar colourations but can be duller.

Starlings have a stout body, short tail and a long pointed orange-yellow beak.

Differences In Habitat

The preferred habitat of the Blackcap Warbler is woodland edges, scrublands and gardens. They are often spotted in dense shrubbery where they can hide and forage for food.

Blackcap Warblers are native to Europe, parts of western Asia, and northern Africa. They are common throughout the temperate regions during the breeding season.

The diet of the Blackcap Warbler mainly consists of insects, but they also eat spiders and small invertebrates particularly during the breeding season. They are also known to consume fruit and berries when other food sources are scarce.

Starlings are found in a number of different habitats including urban areas, woodlands, grasslands and farmlands. They are highly adaptable and thrive near human settlements.

Starlings were originally native to Europe and Asia, but have since been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where they have become widespread.

Starlings are omnivorous with a diet that includes; insects, fruit, seeds and small animals like lizards. They are also known to forage in human environments, including urban areas.

Behavioural Differences

Blackcap warblers are generally solitary birds or are sometimes seen in pairs. They are migratory birds, spending their summers in Europe and migrating to southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle east to overwinter. They forage for insects in shrubs and trees.

Starlings are highly gregarious and often seen in large flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. Depending on the part of the UK they are residing in, Starlings are residents all year round or partial migrants. They are known for their communal roosting and spectacular murmurations (large, coordinated flocks that create dynamic patterns in the sky).

Nests & Eggs

The nest of the Blackcap Warbler is a joint affair with the male constructing the basic nest shell from dried grass, moss and other plant matter. The nest is then lined by the female with fine plant materials, fur, hair and feathers.

It is cup-shaped and situated close to the male’s song post and built in dense vegetation, mainly bramble bushes roughly 5 to 6 feet (154 to 182 cm) from the ground.

Blackcap Warblers lay around 3 to 7 smooth, glossy pale buff or off-white eggs which are around 20 x 15 mm in size. Both parents incubate the eggs for around 13 to 14 days until the altricial chicks hatch.

Starlings tend to nest in tree cavities, nesting boxes or underneath roofing tiles. The nest, which is built using dried grass and leaves, is constructed solely by the male. Then it is lined by the female with wool, fur, moss or feathers.

Starlings lay around 4 to 7 glossy, pale blue eggs which are around 30 x 21 mm in size. They are incubated by both parents for around 12 to 15 days until the altricial chicks hatch.

Bird Calls

Blackcap Warblers are known for their melodic and rich warbling song which has been described as a series of pleasant fluty notes. Their song is so renowned that they are often referred to by their nickname of the “northern Nightingale”.

Starlings are highly vocal birds with a varied repertoire. They are mimics, often copying sounds from their surroundings, including other bird species, mechanical noises, and human-made sounds.

Size & Weight

Blackcap Warblers are the smaller of the two measuring around 13 cm in length, with a wingspan of around 20 to 23 cm. An adult Blackcap Warbler typically weighs around 21 grams.

Starlings are around ⅓ larger than Blackcaps, measuring around 21 cm in length, with a wingspan of around 37 to 42 cm. Starlings can be 4 times as heavy as Blackcaps weighing in at 75 to 90 grams.

SEE ALSO: Water Pipit Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

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