Nicaraguan Grackle

The Nicaraguan grackle (Quiscalus nicaraguensis) is a medium-sized passerine bird, a member of the Icteridae family. Males are approximately 31 cm in length, while females are slightly smaller at 25 cm. The species is characterized by a long, graduated tail and a fairly long bill and legs, all of which are black. The male's plumage is a glossy black with iridescent hues, while the female is brown with a pale supercilium.

Identification Tips

Adult males are distinguished by their entirely black plumage with a violet gloss on the belly and tail, and a violet-green gloss on the head, back, and breast. The wings exhibit a blue-green sheen. The male's tail is distinctly V-shaped. Females are brown above with a pale stripe over the eye, dark lores, and ear coverts. Their underparts are buff, with the darkest coloration on the upper breast and lighter shades on the throat and belly.

Habitat

The Nicaraguan grackle is found in marshlands where it nests, but it also forages in scrublands, wet pastures, and along the shores of lakes and riverbanks.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to western Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica, particularly around Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. Its range has expanded slightly due to deforestation and the creation of pastures.

Behaviour

The Nicaraguan grackle forages on the ground in small groups, searching for seeds and insects. It is known to turn over stones and debris to find food and often forages near cattle. It nests in small colonies, with both sexes participating in feeding the young.

Song & Calls

The species has a repertoire of calls including a nasal call, whistling notes, and a sharp, rising whine. Its song consists of a series of whistles that increase in speed and pitch.

Breeding

The grackle nests in marsh vegetation, constructing a well-hidden, cup-shaped nest from grass, sedge leaves, and roots. The female lays two or three blue eggs with dark markings and is solely responsible for incubation.

Similar Species

The great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) shares its range but is larger with a longer tail and bill. The male great-tailed grackle has a less green gloss, while the female is darker below with a less pronounced supercilium.

Diet and Feeding

Nicaraguan grackles primarily feed on seeds and insects, often foraging in the presence of grazing cattle and utilizing their disturbance of the ground to uncover food sources.

Conservation status

The Nicaraguan grackle is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.