Great-tailed Grackle

What it is

The great-tailed grackle or Mexican grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is a medium-sized, highly social passerine bird native to North and South America. A member of the family Icteridae, it is one of 10 extant species of grackle and is closely related to the boat-tailed grackle and the extinct slender-billed grackle. In the southern and southwestern United States, the grackle is sometimes referred to simply as a "blackbird" or (erroneously) a "crow" due to its glossy black plumage;

Where and when to find it

Habitat

Common in open areas, towns, and cities across the western and southern United States, especially near water.

How to find it

Look for them in parking lots, parks, and fields, often walking on the ground. Listen for their varied, sometimes harsh calls.

Best time of day

All day, year-round.

How it lives

What it eats

Insects, seeds, fruits, human scraps

What eats it

Hawks, owls, snakes, cats

Worth knowing

• Males have a spectacular long, V-shaped tail.
• They can be very noisy, especially when gathering in large groups.
• They are very intelligent and can solve simple puzzles.
• They sometimes 'ant' themselves by letting ants crawl on their feathers, which may help with parasites.
• Their eyes are bright yellow.
• Females are smaller and duller than males, with shorter tails.

Why it matters

Great-tailed Grackles help control insect populations and disperse seeds. Their loud calls add to the sounds of many communities.