A starling's tail is shorter than a blackbird's and it also walks more upright than a blackbird and its head bobs back and forth with each step. When walking it seems to take somewhat long strides for its stature and as it runs it does not switch to hopping the way a blackbird does. The starling's beak is a bit longer and thinner than a blackbird's. The staring emits a complex series of chirps when singing whereas the blackbird is a very tuneful singer.