Description of the Common Grackle
BREEDING MALE
The Common Grackle is a large blackbird, glossy-black with large tail. Quite colorful when viewed at close range and in good light.
- Head and throat, glossy dark blue, yellow eye and dark, heavy bill.
- Body and wings, iridescent bronze (may appear black).
- Tail, iridescent bronze. Large, keel-shaped.
- Length: 12 in. Wingspan: 17 in.
Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Female
Same as male, may average smaller, less glossy in appearance.
Seasonal change in appearance
No significant change.
Juvenile
Dull brown with dark eye.
Habitat
Found in urban or suburban areas. Also open woodlands and in semi-open areas with scattered trees and park-like areas, swamps and marshes and agricultural areas.
Diet
A diverse diet of insects, seeds, acorns, and fruit. May also include small birds, mice, and frogs.
Behavior
Forages on ground. May forage in mixed flocks with other blackbirds and roost in large flocks, often in urban and suburban areas.
Range
Breeds widely across the eastern two-thirds of North America but retreats from northern breeding areas in winter.
More information:
Bent Life History
Visit the Bent Life History for extensive additional information on the Common Grackle.
Wing Shape
The shape of a bird's wing is often an indication of its habits and behavior. Fast flying birds have long, pointed wings. Soaring birds have long, broad wings. Different songbirds will have a slightly different wing shape. Some species look so much alike (Empidonax flycatchers) that scientists sometimes use the length of specific feathers to confirm a species' identification.
- Male, adult, Nebraska, Oct.
- From below
- Male, juvenile, Nebraska, June (molting)
- From below
- Female, juvenile, Nebraska, June
- From below
Wing images from the University of Puget Sound, Slater Museum of Natural History
Fun Facts
The Common Grackle has been expanding its range west in recent decades, assisted by shelterbelt plantings in areas where trees are otherwise scarce.
Agricultural grains are a large part of the Common Grackle’s diet, and it is a pest to agriculture in some areas.
Vocalizations
A squeaky, “rusty gate” song and loud “chuck” call notes are given.
Attracting
Will visit feeders.
