common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 10-12 inches

• Very long tail

• Long bill

• Frequently gathers in large flocks

Adult:

• Entirely black plumage

• Entirely purple or purple and greenish iridiscence to plumage

• Pale eye

Juvenile:

• Dark eye

• Dark brown plumage

Similar species:

The common grackle is similar to blackbirds but is larger with a much
longer tail. Male great-tailed and boat-tailed grackles are similar but
larger with longer tails.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Urban
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-6
Length of Incubation: 13-14 days
Days to Fledge: 16-20
Number of Broods: 1, occasionally 2
Diet: Mostly seeds; lesser quantities of insects fruit, worms, seeds
   reptiles or amphibians eggs

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August C
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February R

 

 

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