Great-tailed Grackle

There are three grackle species in the United States: Common grackle; Boat-tailed grackle; and Great-tailed Grackle.

All three species have specific regional ties. Common grackles and Boat-tailed grackles share some overlapping territory on the East Coast.

Great-tailed grackles are a warm weather species that occupies a large area of the western United States, south through Texas, Mexico and Central America.

Icterid Species Brown-headed Cowbird Meadowlark Brewer's Blackbird Yellow-headed Blackbird Red-winged Blackbird Bullock's Oriole Hooded Oriole Types of Birds

In many areas of the Mid-west and Texas they are year round residents.

The Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is the largest and arguably the most vocal of the three grackle species in the United States.

As the name implies, their long tail is a field identification mark.

Males, like the one in the first picture, have uniform black feathers and can measure up to one and one-half feet tall from head to tail.

Females, like the one pictured on the bottom of the page, have brown heads and breasts.

Their wings and tails are a darker color, however not as black as the male.

Grackles are an adaptable species, found in a variety of habitats with a sufficient amount of trees, water and food.

Their diet varies with habitat. In residential areas, for example, they often forage for discarded human food, including fast food.

In open spaces, they consume native plants, insects, fruits and seeds.

Large roosting flocks who diet on seeds and fruits are considered a nuisance in agiculture areas.

© 2006-2008. Patricia A. Michaels