The Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is a medium-large blackbird measuring 11 to 13 inches in length. They have a long dark bill, pale yellow eyes and a long keel-shaped tail. Their plumage is an iridescent black. Its black coat is glossy with a blue-green or purple sheen to it. In the West and New England there are subspecies that are more of bronze in coloring. The females are smaller and have less gloss in their plumage.

The Common Grackle is an adaptable bird and can be found almost anywhere but usually migrate southward during the coldest part of the winter. They prefer open areas with a scattering of coniferous trees. They can be found in farmlands, orchards and even swamplands. They are a common sight in city parks, cemeteries, and backyards.

The Common Grackle's nest is cup shaped mass of woody stems, leaves grass, and bark. It is usually built in a well-concealed cluster of dense trees or shrubs usually near water. They will occasionally us an abandoned woodpecker cavity or move in and take over an active nest.

The female will lay 1 to 7 light bluish-gray eggs. They are incubated for 13 to 14 days and the fledglings will leave the nest within 20 days of hatching.

The Common Grackle only raises one brood per season and usually nests in large colonies.

The Common Grackle is an opportunistic eater. They will forage on the ground, in shallow water, and bushes eating insects, minnows, frogs, berries, seeds and grain. When food is scares, smaller birds become prey. They dominate birdfeeders and can empty it within hours.

The Common Grackle's voice is very harsh, but its still considered a songbird.

Listen to the call of the Common Grackle: Sound Byte: The Common Grackle, National Park Service

The Common Grackle is not a popular bird with the farmers. They gather in large flocks and feast on the fruits of his labors. They can cause an extensive amount of damage and eat a tremendous amount of grain.