Black-bellied Starling vs Shaft-tailed Whydah

In short

The tail structure is the most reliable field mark: the Shaft-tailed Whydah has distinctive long, narrow tail feathers, while the Black-bellied Starling lacks these. Both species differ significantly in their overall appearance and behavior, with the starling being a more robust bird.

Identification tips

1. Look for the long, narrow tail feathers of the Shaft-tailed Whydah, especially in males. 2. Note the overall robust appearance of the Black-bellied Starling compared to the slender Shaft-tailed Whydah.

Size

The Black-bellied Starling is generally more robust compared to the more slender Shaft-tailed Whydah.

Plumage

The Shaft-tailed Whydah features long, narrow tail feathers, especially in males, which are absent in the Black-bellied Starling.