How to identify the Common Grackle

To correctly identify the Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

28-34 cm (11-13.4 in)

Wingspan

36-46 cm (14.2-18.1 in)

Weight

74-142 g (2.6-5.0 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult males are entirely iridescent black, appearing purple, blue, green, or bronze depending on the light, particularly on the head and neck. The body is typically bronze-purple. Adult females are similar but often duller, with less intense iridescence and sometimes a slightly browner cast. Both sexes have a long, keel-shaped tail.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Stout, conical, and sharply pointed, black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Pale yellow, contrasting sharply with the dark plumage.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Large size, long keel-shaped tail (especially noticeable in flight), iridescent plumage, and bright yellow eyes.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are dull brown overall, lacking the iridescence of adults. Their eyes are dark brown, gradually changing to pale yellow over their first few months.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes; iridescence may appear more vibrant in fresh plumage after molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males are typically larger and have more pronounced iridescence than females. Females may appear duller and sometimes have a slightly shorter tail.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a relatively large, slender blackbird with a long, wedge-shaped body and a distinctive long, keel-shaped tail, especially prominent in flight.
• Plumage Color and Iridescence. Observe the overall glossy black plumage. In good light, look for iridescent sheens of purple, blue, green, or bronze, particularly on the head and neck. The body often has a bronze-purple hue.
• Eye Color. Note the striking pale yellow eyes, which contrast sharply with the dark head. This is a key field mark for adults.
• Tail Shape. Pay attention to the tail, which is long and often held in a V-shape or 'keel' during flight, especially when landing or taking off.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their characteristic harsh, squeaky, 'rusty gate' song and sharp 'check' calls.
• Behavior. Look for them foraging on the ground in open areas, often in flocks, or gathering in large communal roosts.

Explore the Common Grackle