This iridescent blackbird turns heads with its striking blue-purple sheen and piercing yellow eyes, a common yet eye-catching sight across North American neighborhoods and fields.

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

Colours

Primary Colour

Black Iridescent

Secondary Colour

Purple Blue Green

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

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

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Common Grackle and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 60
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 70
Endurance 65

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 5 - 17 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 23.1 years [1]
0
6
13
19
25

years

The Common Grackle typically lives for 5 to 17 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 23.1 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Near Threatened [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

67,000,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[4]

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

Other names:

Crow Blackbird

Family:

Icteridae

Predators

Common Grackle predators include hawks, owls, and larger mammals such as raccoons and cats. Their eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to snakes, crows, and squirrels.

Did You Know?

  1. Common Grackles can open acorns by holding them with their feet and hammering with their beaks.
  2. They sometimes practice 'anting,' rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly to deter parasites.
  3. Grackles can mimic the calls of other bird species and even human sounds.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review

References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Quiscalus quiscula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22724320A131484290.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven

  3. 3

    website, 2022: Partners in Flight

    View source
  4. 1

    website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1

    View source