common grackle

1. Bird Name
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

2. Appearance
The common grackle is an imposing bird with a long, slender body and a tail that is often fanned into a distinctive V-shape. The male to be a glistening, iridescent black in sunlight, while the female is slightly less glossy. The bird’s eyes are a striking shade of golden yellow which contrast sharply with its dark coloration. The beak is black and straight, perfect for their varied diets.

An interesting feature of their appearance is the iridescent quality of their feathers. Depending on the angle and the light, you may see hints of purple, green or bronze on their otherwise black bodies. There’s not a big difference between males and females, but juveniles can be identified by their more muted coloration, and brown eyes instead of the adults’ yellow.

3. Size
The common grackle measures, on average, 28–34 cm (11–13.4 in) in length, with a wingspan that can reach up to 36–46 cm (14–18 in).These birds are fairly hefty, weighing an average of 74–142 grams (2.6–5 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution
Common grackles are widespread across North America. They inhabit a variety of landscapes: forests, fields, parks, and urban environments, but they are particularly fond of open spaces with scattered trees. They have also adapted well to human settlements and can often be seen foraging in agricultural areas, parks, and suburban lawns.

5. Interesting Facts
The common grackle is a resourceful bird and has been observed using a ‘fishing’ technique. They drop bread crusts into water to attract fish, which they then catch and eat. Also, in winter months, grackles come together to form large communal roosts, sometimes with thousands to millions of individuals! In Native American folklore, the common grackle is often associated with the changing of seasons, symbolizing adaptability and resourcefulness.

6. Diet
The diet of the common grackle is as diverse as its habitats. Grackles are omnivorous, eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, grain, and even small birds and mice.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Common grackles are known for being aggressive, especially when defending their territories. Their call is a harsh, grating sound, often compared to a rusty gate. During mating season, males perform a unique display by puffing up their feathers and spreading their tails, while making a variety of calls.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, common grackles are of least concern, though their population has been decreasing over the years due to habitat loss and pollution.

9. Lifespan
A common grackle typically lives about 7 to 8 years in the wild, though some individuals have been known to live up to 22 years. In captivity, they can live 10 to 15 years.

10. Additional Notes
In many cultures, the common grackle is seen as a pest because of their appetite for crops, but they also play a crucial role in controlling the population of harmful insects. These birds are intelligent and adaptable, capable of surviving in a wide range of environments. Whether you love them or loathe them, there’s no denying that the common grackle is an integral part of North American wildlife.