Bird

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

Also known as Purple Grackle, Bronzed Grackle, Crow Blackbird

Common grackles are resourceful, iridescent songbirds that forage in noisy, synchronized flocks across lawns, agricultural fields, and suburban parks. Males showcase striking metallic blue and bronze plumage during spring courtship displays, puffing their feathers and inflating their tail into a V-shaped keel while producing rusty-hinge calls. Highly opportunistic, they follow farm machinery to snag upturned insects and readily colonize human-dominated landscapes alongside other blackbirds.

IridescentSocialAdaptable

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Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa

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Near ThreatenedConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyInsects, Seeds and Grains, Acorns

Predators

Hawks
Owls
Domestic Cats

ThreatsAgricultural control, habitat modification, pesticide exposure

HabitatsOpen woodlands, suburban lawns, agricultural fields, marshes, parks

Life span10–12 years

Classification

OrderPasseriformes
FamilyIcteridae
GenusQuiscalus
SpeciesQuiscalus quiscula

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Recognized by bright yellow eyes, a heavy dark bill, long keel-shaped tail, and iridescent blue-green sheen.
Support conservation: Give nesting colonies ample space during spring breeding to prevent stress and nest abandonment.

Responsible observation

Observing Flocks: Look for their distinctive wedge-shaped tail feathers held in a V-keel during flight.
Attracting to Yards: Offer black oil sunflower seeds or corn on platform feeders away from tender gardens.
Distinguishing Sexes: Note the male's vibrant metallic head sheen compared to the female's duller brown-black plumage.

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