Difference between revisions of "Field Guide/Birds/Quiscalus quiscula"
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The '''Common Grackle''', ''Quiscalus quiscula'', is a large [[icterid|blackbird]]. | The '''Common Grackle''', ''Quiscalus quiscula'', is a large [[icterid|blackbird]]. | ||
| − | + | Adults have a long dark bill, a pale yellowish eye and a long tail; their [[Feather|plumage]] is an [[Iridescence|iridescent]] black. Adult females are slightly smaller and less glossy. | |
| − | + | Their breeding habitat is open and semi-open areas across [[North America]] east of the [[Rocky Mountains]]. The nest is a well-concealed cup in dense trees or shrubs, usually near water; sometimes, they will nest in cavities or in man-made structures. They often nest in colonies, some being quite large. | |
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| + | This [[Aves|bird]] is a permanent resident in much of its range. Northern birds [[bird migration|migrate]] in flocks to the southeastern [[United States]]. | ||
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| + | These birds forage on the ground, in shallow water or in shrubs; they will steal food from other birds. They are [[omnivore|omnivorous]], eating [[insect]]s, [[minnow]]s, [[frog]]s, [[Egg (biology)|egg]]s, [[Berry|berries]], [[seed]]s and [[cereal|grain]], even small birds. | ||
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| + | This bird's song is particularly harsh, especially when a flock of these birds are calling. | ||
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| + | The range of this bird expanded west as forests were cleared. In some areas, they are now considered a pest by farmers because of their large numbers and fondness for grain. | ||
==Photo gallery== | ==Photo gallery== | ||
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[[Category:Icteridae]] | [[Category:Icteridae]] | ||
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| + | [[de:Purpur-Bootsschwanz]] | ||
Revision as of 02:26, 27 October 2005
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The Common Grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, is a large blackbird.
Adults have a long dark bill, a pale yellowish eye and a long tail; their plumage is an iridescent black. Adult females are slightly smaller and less glossy.
Their breeding habitat is open and semi-open areas across North America east of the Rocky Mountains. The nest is a well-concealed cup in dense trees or shrubs, usually near water; sometimes, they will nest in cavities or in man-made structures. They often nest in colonies, some being quite large.
This bird is a permanent resident in much of its range. Northern birds migrate in flocks to the southeastern United States.
These birds forage on the ground, in shallow water or in shrubs; they will steal food from other birds. They are omnivorous, eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds and grain, even small birds.
This bird's song is particularly harsh, especially when a flock of these birds are calling.
The range of this bird expanded west as forests were cleared. In some areas, they are now considered a pest by farmers because of their large numbers and fondness for grain.
Photo gallery
Irridescent back
