Great-tailed Grackle

The great-tailed grackle, or Mexican grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), is a medium-sized, highly social passerine bird. Males are striking with iridescent black plumage and a purple-blue sheen on their head and upper body, while females are more subdued in brown with darker wings and tail. Both sexes boast long tails and bright yellow eyes, although juveniles have brown eyes and plumage similar to females, with streaks on the breast.

Identification Tips

Adult males are unmistakable with their glossy black feathers and keel-shaped tails, which they can fold vertically. Females and juveniles can be identified by their brown coloration and long tails. The species is larger than starlings but smaller than crows, with a wingspan ranging from 18.9 to 22.8 inches.

Habitat

Great-tailed grackles are found in a variety of clear areas for foraging, including pastures, wetlands, mangroves, and chaparral. They have adapted well to agricultural and urban environments.

Distribution

Originally from the tropical lowlands of Central and South America, the great-tailed grackle has expanded its range significantly, now found from northwestern Venezuela and western Colombia to as far north as Minnesota, and from Oregon to Florida in the United States.

Behaviour

These birds exhibit complex social behavior, with males displaying three distinct mating strategies: territorial, residential, and transient. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and behavioral flexibility.

Song & Calls

Great-tailed grackles have a wide array of vocalizations, from sweet notes to harsh calls. Males have a more extensive repertoire, while females primarily engage in "chatter."

Breeding

The breeding season begins in early to mid-April, with nests built near the tops of trees. Females lay 4 to 7 eggs, which are incubated for about 13 to 14 days. Young grackles fledge 12 to 17 days after hatching and are fed by parents for several weeks thereafter.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic feeder, the great-tailed grackle's diet includes insects, larvae, lizards, nestlings, eggs, grains, fruits, and even small fish. They exhibit foraging behaviors such as turning over objects and wading into shallow waters to catch prey.

Conservation status

The great-tailed grackle is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss.