Quiscalus quiscula
Near Threatened
Known for their glossy black plumage with a hint of iridescent blue and purple, the Common Grackle is a sight to behold in the North American landscapes. These highly social birds can be found in large, noisy flocks, dominating the scene with their presence. Their opportunistic feeding habits and adaptability make them a pervasive resident from Canada to Mexico, often outcompeting smaller birds at feeders with their size and shrewdness.
Males and females have similar plumage
Black
Brown
Blue, Purple
Black
Black
Brown
Long
Black
Black
Black
Black
Iridescent body, long dark bill
Less glossy than adults
Long and keel-shaped in flight
Shorter and rounded
28cm to 34cm
Length
36cm to 46cm
Wingspan
74g to 142g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Female Common Grackle
An adult Common Grackle feeding its young
Common Grackle standing by the waterside
Common Grackle landing on a branch
Portrait of a Common Grackle
Harsh, grating calls
A variety of calls including a high-pitched shriek and a low 'chuk'
Sharp, piercing calls
Active during the day, often in large noisy flocks
Highly social, forms large roosts in winter
Defends territory during breeding season
Migrates south in winter, but some populations are resident
Often dominates smaller birds at feeders
Insects, Grains, Berries
Forages on ground and in trees
Primarily in the morning and late afternoon
Picks off insects from plants, probes soil for grubs
Highly varied, opportunistic feeder
None known
In trees or shrubs, often near water
Cup-shaped, made of twigs and lined with softer material
Spring to early summer, March to July, usually
One to two
Pale blue to gray with dark markings
Approximately 2.5cm x 3.5cm
3-7 eggs, usually four
Around 13-14 days
Approximately 2 weeks
Both parents feed chicks, but only female incubates
North America, from Canada to Mexico
Wide range of habitats, including forests, fields, parks, and suburban areas
Sea level to 1500m
Migrates south in winter, but some populations are resident
Forests, Grasslands, Urban
Temperate
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
5
22
10 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, but males often have multiple partners
Older birds may have more iridescent plumage
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, pesticides
Protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Populations decreasing due to habitat loss and pesticides
Other names:
Crow Blackbird
Family:
IcteridaePopulation size:
73,000,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List
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