Sparrow vs. Starling — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Sparrows are small, plump birds often seen in urban areas, characterized by their dusty brown color, while starlings are sleeker and exhibit iridescent plumage, especially in breeding season.
Difference Between Sparrow and Starling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sparrows are typically smaller and have a more robust build, making them easily recognizable in gardens and city parks. On the other hand, starlings are slightly larger with a more streamlined shape, and they are known for their shiny feathers that can appear purple or green in the light.
Sparrows have a varied diet that includes seeds, insects, and scraps, which makes them frequent visitors to bird feeders. Whereas starlings are more aggressive eaters, often outcompeting other birds for food resources, and they have a similar diet but are particularly known for their love of fruits and large insects.
Sparrows are generally more solitary or found in small groups, making them less conspicuous. In contrast, starlings are highly social and often gather in huge flocks, which can be seen performing coordinated movements in the sky.
Sparrows have a chirping song that is quite simple and sweet, a familiar sound in many urban areas. Starlings, however, are mimics like parrots and can replicate a variety of sounds from their environment, including car alarms and human speech patterns.
Breeding habits of sparrows tend to be more discreet, with nests built in quiet nooks away from predators. Meanwhile, starlings are invasive and competitive when nesting, often taking over the nests of other birds and aggressively defending their territory.
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Comparison Chart
Size and Shape
Smaller, plumper with a rounded head.
Larger, sleeker with a pointed head.
Plumage
Generally dusty brown and unassuming.
Iridescent, changes in sunlight.
Diet
Seeds, insects, scraps.
Fruits, insects, aggressively competes.
Social Behavior
Solitary or in small groups.
Highly social, forms large flocks.
Vocalization
Simple chirping sounds.
Mimics sounds, including mechanical noises.
Compare with Definitions
Sparrow
Eats seeds and insects, frequenting bird feeders.
The garden's bird feeder was a favorite spot for the local sparrows.
Starling
Known for mimicking various sounds.
The starling imitated the sound of a ringing phone perfectly.
Sparrow
Less social compared to starlings.
A solitary sparrow perched quietly, watching from a distance.
Starling
Larger than sparrows and very social.
The sky was filled with a flock of chattering starlings.
Sparrow
Known for their dusty brown plumage and short tails.
The sparrow's muted colors blended perfectly with the fall leaves.
Starling
Forms huge flocks, often seen in dramatic flight patterns.
The murmuration of starlings in the evening sky was a breathtaking sight.
Sparrow
Generally nests in quiet, hidden places.
We found a sparrow's nest tucked away in the old mailbox.
Starling
A bird with sleek, iridescent plumage.
The starling's feathers shimmered in the sunlight.
Sparrow
A small, plump bird, often found in urban settings.
A sparrow hopped along the sidewalk, pecking at crumbs.
Starling
Aggressive in food competition and nesting.
A group of starlings aggressively chased other birds away from the feeder.
Sparrow
Any of various small birds of the family Emberizidae, having brownish or grayish plumage and found throughout the Americas, such as the song sparrow.
Starling
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Sturnidae. The name "Sturnidae" comes from the Latin word for starling, sturnus.
Sparrow
Any of various birds of the family Passeridae, especially the house sparrow.
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.
Sparrow
Any of various similar birds of other families, such as the Java sparrow.
Starling
A protective structure of pilings surrounding a pier of a bridge.
Sparrow
The house sparrow, Passer domesticus; a small bird with a short bill, and brown, white and gray feathers.
Starling
A family, Sturnidae, of passerine birds.
Sparrow
A member of the family Passeridae, comprising small Old World songbirds.
Starling
The common starling, Sturnus vulgaris, which has dark, iridescent plumage.
Sparrow
A member of the family Emberizidae, comprising small New World songbirds.
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.
Sparrow
Generically, any small, nondescript bird.
Starling
One of the piles used in forming such a breakwater.
Sparrow
A quick-witted, lively person.
Cockney sparrow
Starling
A fish, rock trout (Hexagrammos spp.), of the North Pacific, especially, Hexagrammos decagrammus, found in US waters.
Sparrow
One of many species of small singing birds of the family Fringilligæ, having conical bills, and feeding chiefly on seeds. Many sparrows are called also finches, and buntings. The common sparrow, or house sparrow, of Europe (Passer domesticus) is noted for its familiarity, its voracity, its attachment to its young, and its fecundity. See House sparrow, under House.
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.
Sparrow
Any one of several small singing birds somewhat resembling the true sparrows in form or habits, as the European hedge sparrow. See under Hedge.
He that doth the ravens feed,Yea, providently caters for the sparrow,Be comfort to my age!
Starling
A California fish; the rock trout.
Sparrow
Any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
Starling
A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge for protection and support; - called also sterling.
Sparrow
Small brownish European songbird
Starling
Gregarious birds native to the Old World
Common Curiosities
What are the typical habitats of sparrows?
Sparrows are adaptable and can thrive in urban and rural areas, often near human settlements.
How can you distinguish a sparrow from a starling?
Sparrows are smaller with a plumper appearance and brown coloring, whereas starlings are sleek and have iridescent plumage.
What do sparrows typically eat?
Sparrows primarily eat seeds and insects.
Do starlings migrate?
Yes, starlings in colder regions migrate to warmer areas during winter.
What is unique about starling vocalizations?
Starlings can mimic a wide range of sounds, from other bird species to mechanical noises.
What are the main threats to sparrows?
Habitat loss and pollution are significant threats to sparrow populations.
What are the social behaviors of sparrows during breeding season?
Sparrows are less conspicuous, usually nesting in isolated pairs.
How do starlings behave in their flocks?
Starlings engage in complex, coordinated flying patterns known as murmurations.
Can sparrows mimic sounds like starlings?
No, sparrows have simpler calls and do not mimic sounds.
How do sparrows and starlings interact with each other?
They may compete for food and nesting sites, especially in urban areas.
Are there different species of sparrows?
Yes, there are several species of sparrows, each adapted to different environments.
What measures can help manage invasive starling populations?
Control measures include habitat modification and discouraging large roosts.
Are sparrows considered invasive?
Generally, no, sparrows are not considered invasive and are widespread across many environments.
Do starlings have any natural predators?
Hawks and large birds of prey often target starlings.
How do starlings affect local ecosystems?
Starlings can be invasive, often displacing native birds and competing for resources.
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Fledge vs. PledgeAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
