Blackbird vs. Starling — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 6, 2023
Blackbirds are a group of passerine birds, often all black; starlings are chunky and iridescent birds known for murmurations. Both terms refer to different bird species with distinct characteristics.
Difference Between Blackbird and Starling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Blackbirds are part of the thrush family and are often characterized by their all-black plumage in males and brown or mottled coloring in females and juveniles. Starlings, on the other hand, belong to the family Sturnidae and are easily identified by their iridescent feathers and unique star-shaped speckles during certain seasons.
The term "blackbird" can be a bit misleading as not all blackbirds are completely black; some species like the Red-winged Blackbird have distinctive color markings. Starlings, although they may appear black from a distance, are actually very colorful with a sheen that reflects light in shades of green and purple.
Behaviorally, blackbirds exhibit a variety of habits, with some species being highly territorial, while others may be more sociable. Starlings are gregarious and known for their spectacular aerial displays called murmurations, where thousands of birds move in a coordinated fashion.
In terms of habitat, blackbirds have a widespread distribution and can be found in various environments from woodlands to marshes. Starlings are highly adaptable, often thriving in urban settings, and are considered invasive in many parts of the world outside their native range.
The song of a blackbird is typically a rich, melodious whistle, while starlings are masters of mimicry and can produce a wide range of sounds including imitations of other bird calls and mechanical noises.
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Comparison Chart
Family
Thrushes (Turdidae)
Sturnidae
Coloration
Typically all black for males; various for females
Iridescent with speckles
Song
Melodious whistles
Mimicry and diverse sounds
Behavior
Territorial or sociable
Highly gregarious
Distribution
Widespread in various habitats
Adaptable, often invasive
Compare with Definitions
Blackbird
Any of several species in the New World.
Blackbirds swarmed the autumn fields.
Starling
A passerine bird with glossy plumage.
The starling shimmered in the sunlight.
Blackbird
Female often brown or mottled.
The female blackbird was gathering twigs for her nest.
Starling
Noted for murmurations.
Starlings painted the sky with their dusk dance.
Blackbird
Known for melodious song.
The song of the blackbird filled the spring morning.
Starling
Capable of mimicry.
The starling mimicked the sound of a car alarm.
Blackbird
Male with black plumage.
A solitary blackbird sang at dusk.
Starling
Possesses a short tail and pointed wings.
The starling flew swiftly over the rooftops.
Blackbird
Any of various New World birds of the family Icteridae, such as the grackle or red-winged blackbird, the male of which has black or predominantly black plumage.
Starling
Often seen in urban areas.
A flock of starlings descended upon the park.
Blackbird
A Eurasian and African songbird (Turdus merula), the male of which is black with a yellow bill. Also called merle1, ouzel.
Starling
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Sturnidae. The name "Sturnidae" comes from the Latin word for starling, sturnus.
Blackbird
A common true thrush, Turdus merula, found in woods and gardens over much of Eurasia, and introduced elsewhere.
Starling
Any of various passerine birds of the family Sturnidae, native to the Eastern Hemisphere and characteristically having a short tail, pointed wings, and dark, often iridescent plumage, especially Sturnus vulgaris, widely naturalized worldwide.
Blackbird
A variety of New World birds of the family Icteridae (26 species of icterid bird).
Starling
A protective structure of pilings surrounding a pier of a bridge.
Blackbird
A native of the South Pacific islands.
Starling
A family, Sturnidae, of passerine birds.
Blackbird
To enslave someone, especially through chicanery or force
Starling
The common starling, Sturnus vulgaris, which has dark, iridescent plumage.
Blackbird
In England, a species of thrush (Turdus merula), a singing bird with a fin note; the merle. In America the name is given to several birds, as the Quiscalus versicolor, or crow blackbird; the Agelæus phœniceus, or red-winged blackbird; the cowbird; the rusty grackle, etc. See Redwing.
Starling
(hydraulic engineering) An inclosure like a coffer-dam, formed of piles driven closely together, before any work or structure as a protection against the wash of the waves, commonly used to protects the piers of a bridge.
Blackbird
Among slavers and pirates, a negro or Polynesian.
Starling
One of the piles used in forming such a breakwater.
Blackbird
A native of any of the islands near Queensland; - called also Kanaka.
Starling
A fish, rock trout (Hexagrammos spp.), of the North Pacific, especially, Hexagrammos decagrammus, found in US waters.
Blackbird
To engage in the slave trade.
Starling
Any passerine bird belonging to Sturnus and allied genera. The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is dark brown or greenish black, with a metallic gloss, and spotted with yellowish white. It is a sociable bird, and builds about houses, old towers, etc. Called also stare, and starred. The pied starling of India is Sternopastor contra.
Blackbird
Any bird of the family Icteridae whose male is black or predominantly black
Starling
A California fish; the rock trout.
Blackbird
Common black European thrush
Starling
A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge for protection and support; - called also sterling.
Blackbird
A medium-sized bird.
The blackbird sat perched on the garden fence.
Starling
Gregarious birds native to the Old World
Common Curiosities
Can you find blackbirds in urban areas?
Blackbirds can adapt to urban areas but prefer natural habitats.
Are all blackbirds actually black?
Not all; only males of certain species are completely black.
What distinguishes a blackbird's plumage?
Blackbird males typically have all-black plumage; females may vary.
Do blackbirds sing?
Yes, blackbirds are known for their rich, melodious songs.
What is a murmuration of starlings?
A murmuration is a massive, coordinated flight pattern of starlings.
Are starlings' feathers always iridescent?
The iridescence of starlings' feathers is most prominent in the breeding season.
Are starlings good mimics?
Yes, starlings can mimic various sounds and calls.
What do blackbirds eat?
Blackbirds have a varied diet including insects and fruits.
Why are starlings considered invasive?
Starlings often outcompete native species for resources.
Do starlings form large flocks?
Yes, especially in non-breeding seasons.
How do starlings impact ecosystems?
Starlings can disrupt ecosystems by dominating food sources and nesting sites.
How do blackbirds and starlings differ behaviorally?
Blackbirds can be solitary or social; starlings are usually highly social.
What environments do starlings thrive in?
Starlings are adaptable and thrive even in urban settings.
How do blackbirds and starlings communicate?
Blackbirds use songs; starlings use songs and complex calls.
What's the geographic range of the blackbird?
Blackbirds are found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
