Great-tailed Grackle look-alikes

Key differences

The Great-tailed Grackle's range overlaps with the Boat-tailed Grackle primarily along the Gulf Coast and southeastern US. Great-tailed Grackles generally have brighter yellow eyes (Boat-tailed can have dark eyes in some populations), and males have a more pronounced 'keel-shaped' tail in flight, whereas the Boat-tailed's tail is more uniformly broad. Female Great-tailed Grackles are typically dark brown with a paler throat/breast, while female Boat-tailed Grackles are more uniformly brown and often larger than female Great-taileds.

Key differences

Common Grackles are generally smaller with a shorter tail, especially noticeable in males. Their iridescence is typically more purple-bronze on the body and green on the head, compared to the Great-tailed's more uniform purple-blue to green. Common Grackles have a less robust bill and often a less prominent yellow eye. Their calls are also distinct, with Common Grackles having a more 'rusty gate' sound.

Key differences

Brewer's Blackbirds are significantly smaller than Great-tailed Grackles and have a much shorter tail. Males are glossy black with purple iridescence on the head and green on the body, and bright yellow eyes. Females are duller gray-brown with dark eyes. The overall body shape and tail length are the primary distinguishing features.