great tailed grackle
1. Bird Name
The bird we’re going to explore in this profile is the Great-Tailed Grackle. Its scientific name is Quiscalus mexicanus.
2. Appearance
Great-Tailed Grackles are striking birds, known for their iridescent bodies and long, fan-like tails. Their coloration varies significantly between the sexes. Males are generally glossy black with an intense purple-blue sheen in sunlight, while females are more muted in tone, usually a dark brown or dusky hue. In both genders, their eyes are a striking yellow, creating an interesting contrast with their body colour. The bird’s beak is relatively long, straight, and sharp-pointed, making it functional for a versatile diet.
3. Size
The size of the Great-Tailed Grackle can come as something of a surprise due to its long, keel-shaped tail that accounts for more than half its total length. Generally, their average length ranges between 37-46 cm (15-18 inches), while their wingspan is typically around 44-52 cm (17-20 inches). The males tend to be significantly larger than females. Their weight averages between 125 to 250 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Native to North and South America, Great-Tailed Grackles are found extensively throughout the United States, as well as in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. They’re thriving in both rural and urban environments and are often seen in large numbers in city parks or near agricultural areas. They adapt well to human alterations in the environment and are commonly observed in places like shopping centers or restaurant parking lots.
5. Interesting Facts
Great-Tailed Grackles are known for their keen intelligence, showing the ability to solve problems and recognize themselves in the mirror. They communicate through a wide range of vocalizations and are known for their robust repertoire of songs and calls. In Central American cultures, they are often associated with good luck.
6. Diet
Their diet is impressively diverse, including insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, seeds, grains, lizards, crustaceans, or sometimes even birds. Their foraging style is both versatile and opportunistic.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Great-Tailed Grackles are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks near food sources or during roosting. Males are known for their elaborate mating displays, puffing up, and extending their feathers, while females select mates based on their vocal and physical displays. Their calls are varied, including everything from harsh screeches, rattles, and whistles to melodic songs.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Great-Tailed Grackle is of Least Concern due to its wide distribution and rapidly expanding population, benefiting significantly from human-modified habitats.
9. Lifespan
On average, a Great-Tailed Grackle can live to be about 10-15 years in the wild, while its lifespan in captivity remains unknown.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish-speaking regions, they are colloquially known as “zanate” or “maria mulata”. Despite occasionally being labeled as pests due to their rapid population growth and impact on crops, their role in ecosystems is crucial as they help to control the population of pests, like insects and rodents. They also play a significant role in seed dispersal, contributing to biodiversity.
