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Common Grackle

The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a member of the blackbird family.  It is 11 to 13.5 inches in length.  It has a long, sharply pointed black bill, and is glossy black overall with a yellow eye.  There is a faint purplish-blue iridescence on the head, neck, and breast, and an iridescence on the back and wings that can vary from purple to deep bronze to multicolor, depending on the bird.  It can be difficult to distinguish males and females, but the females are generally duller overall.

The song of the Common Grackle sounds like a squeaky, rusty hinge.  The call is a bold, chuk! 

The Common Grackle eats insects, worms, fruits, grains, seeds, small rodents, salamanders, and eggs and nestlings of other birds.  They will come to feeders for small grains and seeds.  This bird is considered abundant and widespread in open areas with scattered trees, open woodlands, parks, and around human habitation.

Click here for additional information and a range map.

Click on the player below for examples of Common Grackle vocalizations.

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  • Home
  • Animals
    • Birds >
      • Avian Taxonomy
      • Bird Species Profiles
    • Mammal Species Profiles
    • Reptiles
    • Amphibians >
      • Frog and Toad Species Profiles
    • Fish
    • Arthropods >
      • Arthropod Species Profiles
  • Plants
    • Native Plant Societies
    • Eastern Plant Identification Guide
  • Fungi
    • Fungi Species Profiles
  • Protists
  • Nature Products Store
  • Cell Phone Ringtones
  • Madbird Feeder Cam
  • Ramblings of the Madbird Biologist
  • Bird Videos
  • News in Science
  • Nature Inspired Recipes
  • An Introduction to Scientific Classification and Naming
  • Birds in the Classroom
  • Resources
  • About Me