Common Grackle
A species of Grackles, Also known as Crow Blackbird Scientific name : Quiscalus quiscula Genus : Grackles
Common Grackle, A species of Grackles
Also known as:
Crow Blackbird
Botanical name: Quiscalus quiscula
Genus: Grackles
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By GeoffClarke , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The common Grackle is a medium-sized blackbird that prefers open areas with widely-spaced trees. It produces a distinctive, loud, and unpleasant sound that is said to resemble rusty hinges on the gate. This bird is highly sociable and it's rarely seen alone. Being a regular visitor of urban and suburban areas, this clever crafter uses numerous man-made materials to make its nest. Due to its preference for various foods, including berries and crops, it's considered a pest by farmers.
Size
28 - 34 cm
Life Expectancy
22 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Clutch Size
1 - 7 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 2 broods
Number of Broods
11 - 15 days
Nestling Period
10 - 17 days
Feeding Habits
Common Grackle forage on ground, in water or shrubs, and may pilfer food from other birds. Their omnivorous diet includes seeds, fruits, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, amphibians, mice, and other birds. They scavenge and eat from feeders, favoring scattered seeds and grains.
Habitat
Common Grackle are adaptable birds found in diverse habitats, from forests and wetlands to grasslands and urban environments. They thrive in open to semi-open areas, preferring habitats with scattered trees for nesting, such as pine, and open ground for foraging. Common near water, common Grackle often nest in dense vegetation or even use man-made structures. Altitude is not a primary concern, as they are more associated with particular vegetation types and proximity to water. Common Grackle adapt well to human-altered landscapes, including agricultural fields, suburbs, and city parks. Large unbroken forest tracts are typically devoid of common Grackle.
Nest Behavior
Nest site selection and building is led by the female common Grackle, sometimes with the male's assistance. Building can range from one to six weeks. After laying eggs, both parents engage in caring for their young, with the timing of these activities varying among individuals within the species.
Nest Characteristics
Common Grackle's nest is typically situated high in a coniferous tree, potentially between two limbs or on a horizontal branch, though locations can vary. Built by the female, the bulky cup-like nest is constructed from twigs, leaves, and grass, incorporating materials like paper, string, and mud, and is lined with fine grasses and horse hair. The nest measures 6-9 inches across and 3-9 inches deep.
Dite type
Omnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Safflower
Suet
Cracked Corn
Peanuts
Peanut Hearts
Fruit
Millet
Oats
Milo
Bird Feeder Type
Large Hopper
Platform
Ground
Behavior
Common Grackle display a social and boisterous nature, frequently forming flocks with various blackbirds, particularly in winter. Their daily activities consist of foraging dominantly on the ground, while for roosting, they prefer elevated positions such as treetops or power lines. During breeding season, common Grackle exhibit unique communal nesting habits with limited territorial behaviors, sometimes forming colonies with numerous pairs. Mating rituals include distinctive playful chases, varying from group pursuits to paired, conspicuous flights. Common Grackle's typical flight is characterized by direct paths and rigid wings.
Distribution Area
The breeding habitat is open and semiopen areas across North America east of the Rocky Mountains. permanent resident in much of its range. Northern birds migrate in flocks to the Southeastern United States. 
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
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