Pallas's Gull vs Spotless Starling

Pallas's Gull and Spotless Starling are easily distinguished by size and habitat. Pallas's Gull is a large seabird, while the Spotless Starling is a much smaller, terrestrial songbird. Observing their environment and size will quickly separate these two species.

Check the size and habitat first: Pallas's Gull is much larger and found near water, while Spotless Starling is smaller and found in terrestrial habitats. Look for the distinctive black and white plumage of the gull compared to the uniform dark plumage of the starling.

Pallas's Gull is significantly larger than the Spotless Starling, with a wingspan that can be more than double the length of the starling.

Pallas's Gull has a predominantly white body with black markings on the head and wings, while the Spotless Starling is uniformly dark with a glossy sheen.

Pallas's Gull is typically found near large bodies of water, such as seas and large lakes, whereas the Spotless Starling is more often seen in terrestrial environments, including urban areas and open countryside.