White-shouldered Starling vs Chestnut-tailed Starling

In short

The White-shouldered Starling and the Chestnut-tailed Starling can be distinguished by the presence of a prominent white shoulder patch in the White-shouldered Starling, which is absent in the Chestnut-tailed Starling. Both species have similar structure, but plumage and habitat preferences can aid in identification.

Identification tips

• Look for the white shoulder patch on the White-shouldered Starling.
• Note the paler plumage and grayer head of the Chestnut-tailed Starling.
• Consider habitat: White-shouldered in urban/open areas, Chestnut-tailed in wooded areas.
• Use behavior and flocking patterns as supplementary clues.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized starlings.

Plumage

The White-shouldered Starling has a distinctive white shoulder patch and generally darker plumage. The Chestnut-tailed Starling has a paler overall appearance with a grayer head and breast, and its underparts are dirty white with less extensive rufous.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical starling behavior, often seen in flocks and displaying active foraging habits.

Habitat

White-shouldered Starlings are often found in open areas and urban environments, while Chestnut-tailed Starlings prefer wooded areas and are more often found in forest edges.

Voice

Vocalizations are not distinctly different enough to reliably separate these species in the field.