Quiscalus quiscula

Description

This is a large blackbird (larger than a robin) with iridescent feathers. Breeding males have long wedge-shaped tails. Males have an iridescent purple on their heads. Their eyes are yellow.

Voice

The note is a chuck or chack. The song is a readle-eak. Is is unmusical and sounds like a rusty gate.

Habitat

They are found in towns, croplands, forests (especially pines during the nesting season), and along streams.

Diet

Common grackles will mainly eat seeds, insects, fruit, and nuts. However, they will also eat fish, frogs, and small birds and mice.

Range

Common grackles can be found in the eastern part of the United States and as far west as Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Other Useful Information

Common grackles often participate in an act called anting. Anting is the process where they let ants crawl all over their body, secreting formic acid. It is believed that by doing this, it helps rid the body of parasites.

Similar Species

Boat-tailed grackle, great-tailed grackle, Brewer’s blackbird, and rusty blackbird.