Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula
General Description
Male essentially black with glossy, iridescent sheen; head, neck, and breast are glossy purplish blue or bluish green. Female slightly smaller and less glossy. Glossy head contrasts with brassy bronze body.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
In the Bozeman area, normal migration periods are from April 24 to May 5 and September 15 to October 1.
Habitat
Species found in open woodland and forest edges; also swamps, marshes, and around human habitation.
Food Habits
Diet consists mainly of insects, seeds and invertebrates.
Reproductive Characteristics
One, occasionally two broods, consisting of four to five eggs per brood. Incubation period 13-14 days. Young able to fly 16-20 days after hatch.
Citations & Sources
- Cummings, J. L., J. L. Guarino and C. E. Knittle. 1989. Chronology of blackbird damage to sunflowers. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 17:50-52.