Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Common Grackle is a striking bird with glossy black plumage that shimmers with iridescent purple, blue, and green hues in bright light. Males are larger and more colorful, with a long, keel-shaped tail and bright yellow eyes contrasting sharply with their dark feathers.
Females are slightly smaller and less iridescent, with a brown body and shorter tail. Juveniles resemble females but have dark eyes that gradually lighten to yellow as they mature.
Size
Length
28cm to 34cm
Wingspan
36cm to 43cm
Weight
74g to 142g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Grackles are widely distributed across North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. They thrive in diverse habitats, including open woodlands, marshes, suburban areas, and agricultural lands. These adaptable birds are particularly common in human-modified landscapes.
They are found throughout the eastern and central United States and southern Canada during the breeding season. In winter, northern populations migrate south, with large concentrations in the southeastern United States, making them a year-round presence in many areas.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Grackle. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Common Grackle demonstrates considerable agility, with its ability to manoeuvre through various habitats and perform intricate foraging behaviours. Their distinctive strut and adept flight, particularly with their keel-shaped tail, suggest above-average agility for a medium-sized bird.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong, Common Grackles possess moderate strength for their size. Their ability to crack open acorns and manipulate various food items indicates a respectable level of physical prowess, though they're not among the strongest birds in their size category.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Common Grackles exhibit remarkable adaptability. Their diverse diet, ability to thrive in various habitats from woodlands to urban areas, and their clever use of tools for foraging demonstrate exceptional adaptiveness. Their success in human-modified landscapes further underscores this trait.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These birds show a moderate to high level of aggressiveness, particularly in defending their nests and competing for resources. Their willingness to prey on other birds' eggs and nestlings, as well as their dominant behaviour in mixed flocks, indicates a notable aggressive streak.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Common Grackles display good endurance, evidenced by their migratory habits and ability to forage in large flocks over extended periods. However, they're not known for exceptional long-distance flights or extreme endurance feats, placing them slightly above average in this category.
Diet
Common Grackles are opportunistic omnivores with a varied diet. They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and grains but also consume small fish, frogs, and even other birds' eggs or nestlings.
They've adapted to scavenge human food scraps in urban areas, showcasing their dietary flexibility.
Behaviour
Common Grackles are highly social birds, often seen foraging in large flocks on the ground. They have a distinctive walking strut and frequently engage in communal roosting, gathering in massive numbers during non-breeding seasons.
These birds are known for their intelligence and adaptability, often seen using tools to manipulate food items.
Vocalisation
Common Grackles have a diverse vocal repertoire. Their most recognizable call is a harsh, creaky 'readle-eak' or 'chlack.' Males produce a variety of whistles, croaks, and guttural sounds during courtship.
In flocks, they create a cacophony of chatters and squeaks, often described as sounding like a rusty gate opening.
Nesting & Breeding
Common Grackles begin their breeding season in early spring, with males performing elaborate displays to attract mates. They often nest in loose colonies, sometimes alongside other blackbird species.
Females construct bulky nests of grass, twigs, and mud, typically placed in dense foliage of trees or shrubs. The nest cup is lined with fine grasses. A clutch usually consists of 4-7 pale blue to pearl gray eggs marked with brown blotches.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after about 16-20 days. Grackles often raise two broods per season in warmer regions.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Listed as Near Threatened, Common Grackle populations have declined by over 50% since the 1970s due to habitat loss and agricultural practices.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving diverse habitats and promoting bird-friendly farming methods to support their recovery.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks in open areas, especially near water sources
- Listen for their distinctive 'readle-eak' call and varied vocalizations
- Observe their unique, keel-shaped tail in flight
- Watch for iridescent plumage shimmering in sunlight
- In the US, check agricultural fields and urban parks during migration seasons
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Common Grackles can open acorns by holding them with their feet and hammering with their beaks.
- They sometimes practice 'anting,' rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly to deter parasites.
- Grackles can mimic the calls of other bird species and even human sounds.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Quiscalus quiscula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22724320A131484290.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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