Grackle

Grackle, in our front yard this morning! photo by Mary Stebbins, click on image to view larger. I love the eye.


Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Identification Tips:
Length: 10-12 inches
Very long tail
Long bill
Frequently gathers in large flocks
Adult:
Entirely black plumage
Entirely purple or purple and greenish iridiscence to plumage
Pale eye
Juvenile:
Dark eye
Dark brown plumage
Similar species:
The Common Grackle is similar to blackbirds but is larger with a much longer tail. Male Great-tailed and Boat-tailed Grackles are similar but larger with longer tails.
Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.