Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

Family:

Blackbirds

Size:

Medium

Visits:

Spring, Summer, Fall

Behavior:

Ground Feeders

Common Grackle Facts

Common grackles are no sweet songbirds. Virtually omnivorous, the large blackbirds are aggressive in their search for food, and can be seen foraging in trashcans, stealing food from other birds, and, at times, even eating smaller birds. With iridescent black feathers, and long, thick black bills, common grackles have a menacing look that matches their behavior.

Size:

12" Long

Markings:

Adult males have purple, blue, and bronze iridescent plumage that appears to be all-black from a distance. Females are slightly duller and blacker overall. Adults have thick black beaks, black legs and feet, and yellow eyes. Juvenile plumage is dark brown from head to tail.

Habitat:

Common grackles fare well near human habitations, especially farms. They prefer open spaces including cleared forests, meadows, and city parks and gardens.

Behavior:

Ground-feeding birds, common grackles stalk along the ground on long legs while foraging for seeds and small invertebrates. But they’ll take their meals wherever they can get them, and are especially fond of corn crops. Gathering in large flocks, common grackles can pose a serious threat to farmers and prove hard to scare off—sometimes hawks and other predator birds are brought in to do the job.

Diet:

Seeds, small invertebrates.

Vocals:

Squeaky, harsh, high-pitched croaking sound including notes that sound like kek and kee-shee.