Common grackle

A long-tailed blackbird of fields, wetlands and towns.

Field guide

A long-tailed blackbird of fields, wetlands and towns.

Identification

Long keel-shaped tail, pale eye and glossy purple or bronze sheen; females are duller.

The adult male is large and glossy, often with a bluish or purple head, bronzy body, pale eye and long keel-shaped tail.

The female is usually smaller, browner and less iridescent, with a shorter tail. Young birds can be dull too, so use several marks together.

Habitat

Open woodland, farms, lawns and wetland margins.

Where to look during the day

At dawn, listen for calling birds in tall trees near feeding areas.

In the afternoon, watch lawns, fields and shallow wetland edges.

At dusk, flocks travel toward shared roosts, often near wetlands.

Sounds

Harsh creaks and squeaks, sometimes likened to a rusty gate.

Common grackle

Field recording of a common grackle. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

Leonardo Guzman Hernandez · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits