Difference between revisions of "Field Guide/Birds/Quiscalus quiscula"
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− | + | {{Taxobox_begin | color = pink | name = Common Grackle}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_image | image = [[Image:Common Grackle - markings.jpg|200px|Common Grackle]] | caption = [[Common Grackle]] on a railing}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_begin_placement | color = pink}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_regnum_entry | taxon = [[Animal]]ia}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_phylum_entry | taxon = [[Chordate|Chordata]]}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_classis_entry | taxon = [[Aves]]}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_ordo_entry | taxon = [[Passeriformes]]}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_familia_entry | taxon = [[Icterid]]ae}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_genus_entry | taxon = '''''[[Grackle|Quiscalus''''']]}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_species_entry | taxon = '''''quiscula'''''}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_end_placement}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_section_binomial_parens | color = pink | binomial_name = Quiscalus quiscula | author = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]] | date = [[1758]]}} | |
− | + | {{Taxobox_end}} | |
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− | + | The '''Common Grackle''', ''Quiscalus quiscula'', is pure evil in [[icterid|blackbird]] form. | |
− | The '''Common Grackle''', ''Quiscalus quiscula'', is | ||
− | Adults have a long dark bill, a pale yellowish eye and a long tail; their plumage is an | + | 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. | 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 [[bird migration|migrate]] in flocks to the southeastern [[United States]]. | + | This [[Aves|bird]] is a permanent resident in much of its range. Northern birds [[bird migration|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 [[omnivore|omnivorous]], eating | + | 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 [[grain]], even small birds. |
This bird's song is particularly harsh, especially when a flock of these birds are calling. | 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. | 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. | ||
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+ | [[Category:Icteridae]] |
Revision as of 21:58, 6 June 2005
Template:Taxobox begin Template:Taxobox image Template:Taxobox begin placement Template:Taxobox regnum entry Template:Taxobox phylum entry Template:Taxobox classis entry Template:Taxobox ordo entry Template:Taxobox familia entry Template:Taxobox genus entry Template:Taxobox species entry Template:Taxobox end placement Template:Taxobox section binomial parens Template:Taxobox end
The Common Grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, is pure evil in blackbird form.
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.