Common Grackle
Common
Name:
Common Grackle Class: Aves Order:
Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
Genus:
Quiscalus Species: Quiscalus
quiscula
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Taxonomy/Description
The Common Grackle is a member of
the blackbird family, and is not related to the American Crow as
many think. The birds of the family Icteridae are dichromatic,
meaning the male and the female look very different from each
other. The male common grackle is an iridescent black, with the
upper chest and head glistening blueish or purplish in the sun.
The female is slightly smaller and more brownish, less
iridescent. The Common Grackle has a very long, dark gray beak.
Size: 28-34 cm (11-13 in) Wingspan: 36-46 cm (14-18 in) Weight:
74-142 g (2.61-5.01 ounces)
Habitat/Diet
The Common Grackle is a very well populated bird, residing all
over North America east of the American Rockies. Their numbers
may be upwards of 100 million in North America. This bird is
known to migrate up to Canada for the summer and reside east of
the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Common Grackles are found in open
areas with scattered trees, particularly in suburban
developments. They are not usually found in very wooded areas
because they like to forage on the ground. Grackles will also
forage in shallow water or in shrubs. The Grackle has also been
know to steal food from other birds. Grackles are omnivorous,
eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds and grain,
even small birds.
Behavior/Reproduction
Common Grackles do not mate for
life. However, every mating season there is male-female pair
bonding, meaning they are monogamous. From pair formation
through incubation, the male remains in close association with
his mate by perching near her, following her, and engaging in
mutual displays. This pattern exhibited by the male probably
functions to guard against extra-pair copulations. Once
incubation has begun, his attentiveness decreases steadily. The
Common Grackle's nest is large and bulky, constructed of woody
stems, leaves and fine grasses. It is cup shaped and lined with
mud and usually fine grasses or horse hair. Eggs are a light
blue or pearl gray, usually spotless. A Common Grackle's clutch
size is about 4 to 6 eggs. One clutch a year is laid. The eggs
are incubated by the female and hatch in 12-14 days. At this
time, about half the males have deserted the mother and the
nest. Those who remain will participate in parental care,
including brooding and feeding. 12 to 17 days after hatching,
the babies are strong enough to leave the nest, however they
remain near the nest several days thereafter. Common Grackles
are very social, and are commonly found around other grackles,
Red-Winged Blackbirds, and European Starlings. However, the
Common Grackle becomes very territorial around its nest and will
attack other birds, even humans.
Where to see them in WNY
The Common Grackle can be found in almost any open area
or field. They are commonly found on the lawns of
suburban houses, foraging for food.