European Starling vs Common Grackle
The check that settles it
Much longer keel-shaped tail, pale yellow eye, and a heavier bill.
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
- Size
- 20–23 cm
- Bill
- thin pointed
- Where
- city, open field, feeder, yard
- Voice
- A jumble of whistles, rattles and clicks, with accurate imitations of other species and of mechanical sounds.
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
- Size
- 28–34 cm
- Bill
- thin pointed
- Where
- yard, open field, feeder, city
- Voice
- A harsh rising creak, often compared to a rusty gate.
Confirming a european starling
- A very short square tail with a long pointed bill — the shape is diagnostic in flight.
- White spotting in winter, glossy and nearly plain in summer.
- Bill turns bright yellow in the breeding season.
- Walks rather than hops.
Confirming a common grackle
- A pale yellow eye — obvious even at distance.
- A long tail held in a V-shaped keel in flight.
- Iridescence that changes from bronze to purple with the angle of the light.
- Walks on lawns in loose flocks.