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1. Nombre del ave

English name: Boat-tailed Grackle
Scientific (Latin) name: Quiscalus major

2. Aspecto

The Boat-tailed Grackle is a striking bird with a long, V-shaped tail, which can be compared with a boat’s stern. Males are an iridescent black color with a piercing yellow eye, while females have a much more understated look, with their brown feathering and slightly smaller stature. The males of this species can be as long as 45 cm from beak to tail tip! The reptilian-like scaling on the male’s neck and an oversized bill also add to its unique appeal. The young ones resemble females but have dark eyes.

3. Tamaño

Discernibly larger than most blackbirds, the males average 42 cm in length or 16.5 inches with a wingspan that can reach 58 cm or 23 inches. Females are somewhat smaller, averaging 34 cm or 13 inches in length. The weight range of this bird is between 165 to 250 grams (5.8–8.8 oz).

4. Hábitat y distribución

Boat-tailed Grackles are largely found in the eastern United States. They favor swamplands, marshes, and areas with reed beds, particularly by the coast but can be found venturing up to 50 kilometers inland in coastal regions or near brackish water bodies. They can also be found in public places such as parking lots, picnic areas, and mangrove swamps.

5. Datos de interés

Their name comes from their long keel-shaped tail. Male Boat-tailed Grackles are the superior nest builders and often create nests for various females simultaneously. They are also polygynous, mating with more than one female during breeding season. Interestingly, the Boat-tailed Grackle has the ability to consume toxic prey due to its unique genetic makeup and is known to feast on the toxic lubber grasshopper.

6. Dieta

These omnivorous birds have a diverse diet that includes insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, grains, seeds, and fruit. They also scavenge at picnic areas and trash bins and even indulge in food provided by bird feeders.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos

Boat-tailed Grackles display a robust repertoire of social behavior, including complex songs and postures. Males have a variety of calls and sounds that range from high-pitched whistles to guttural rasps. They also have an aggressive behavior and show dominance over more diminutive bird species.

8. Estado de conservación

Despite their declining numbers due to loss of habitat and changes in climate, Boat-tailed Grackles remain a species of least concern, according to the IUCN Red List.

9. Vida útil

These birds typically live up to 13 years in the wild, whereas the typical lifespan in captivity can range from 15-20 years due to a lack of predators and a steady supply of food.

10. Notas adicionales

Boat-tailed Grackles play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations. They are also known to help disperse seeds due to their varied diet. These birds have an interesting relationship with humans; some consider them a nuisance due to their noisy calls and tendency to dominate bird feeders, but others find their bold behavior and iridescent colors interesting and often feed them at picnic sites. Their resilience and adaptability to human-dominated environments speak volumes about their versatility and survivability.