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Female Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula L 12 ½" (32cm)

Illustration by Julie Zickefoose. Listen to a common grackle.

Our smallest grackle, with a long, keel-shaped tail, pale yellow eyes, and a heavy bill. They appear all black at a distance, but up close the males show a glossy purple-blue head, neck, and breast. Females are smaller and duller.

They are abundant, roaming in mixed flocks in open fields, marshes, and suburban areas.

Their call is a loud chuck, while their song is short creaky koguba-leek.

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