adult; little sexual dimorphism; large bill (Florida, USA; 2008-04-25)


Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula

Native Range: North America

Notes: large bill, heavy body, and keeled tail help to distinguish this abundant species from the other blackbirds with which it often flocks, especialliy in winter; comes in distinctive purple (or coastal) and bronzed (or interior) races; voice an unmusical metallic hiss.

juvenile of the bronzed race; browner color (Michigan, USA; 2007-08-12)
adult, purple race; irridescent sheen, white eye (Florida, USA; 2008-04-25)

flock; note keeled tails (Florida, USA; 2007-12-27)
larger flock (Florida, USA; 2007-12-27)

posing for a portrait; note sturdy bill, white iris (Florida, USA; 2008-04-25)