Grackles and crows, though visually similar, differ in family, size, flight, and vocalization. Grackles: Icteridae, Crows: Corvidae.
Grackles and crows differ in body shape, iridescence, and eye color. Grackles have slim bodies, colorful plumage, and yellow eyes; crows are bulkier and all-black.
Spotting birds simultaneously aids identification. Crows: 16-20 inches, 33-39 inches wingspan, 11-21 oz. Grackles: 11-13 inches, 14-18 inches wingspan, 2.5-5 oz.
Observe birds by wing shape, motion, and flock behavior. Crows row with rounded wings; grackles fly straight in V-shape with stiff beats.
Grackles average 17 years, with a max of 22. Crows live 7-8 years on average, but some reach 30 years in the wild.
Grackles and crows differ in song and social behavior. Grackles are noisy, form loose colonies; crows are solitary, mate for life, raising young in groups.
Highly intelligent, resourceful crows and ravens adapt well to human environments, often considered pests due to their sociability and resourcefulness.
Omnivorous grackles and crows forage seeds, berries, insects, and hunt small animals. Both may visit feeders; crows scavenge dumpsters and eat human food.