Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
What it is
The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a large icterid found in large numbers through much of North America.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- You can find them in parks, open woodlands, fields, and suburban areas throughout most of the US.
- How to find it
- Look for a medium-sized, sleek black bird with a long tail. Watch for flashes of iridescent color in good light.
- Best time of day
- Daytime, year-round. They are often seen in groups.
How it lives
- What it eats
- Insects, seeds, grains, small fruits, leftovers
- What eats it
- Hawks, owls, snakes, cats
Worth knowing
- They often nest in large groups, called colonies.
- Their loud, creaky calls sound a bit like a rusty gate.
- They are very smart and can recognize individual people.
- They like to 'ant' – rub ants on their feathers – to help get rid of parasites.
- Their long, wedge-shaped tail is easy to spot in flight.
- They are related to blackbirds and orioles.
Why it matters
Common Grackles help control insect populations and disperse some seeds.