Common Grackle

Common Grackle
[Quiscalus quiscula]


The Common Grackle is very, well, common. :D They are found throughout North America, congregating in large groups. A group of Grackles is called a Plague, which should give you an idea of what most people think of this slim, dark bird.
At first glance, Grackles look like Ravens or Crows, because they are a sinister-looking, all black bird. Upon closer inspection, you can see the iridescence of a Grackle's feathers, which looks blue or purple in certain lights.
At about 13 inches with a wingspan of about 17 inches, Common Grackles have a dark beak and legs, a long, squared tail, and bright, intelligent yellow eyes. Females are slightly smaller, and black-brown with no purple or blue iridescence. Variants include a more bronze iridescence, single white feathers, or even pied (black and white 'dalmatian'-esque coloring). Can be distinguished from Crows, Ravens, and other Grackles by it's size, and the shape of it's tail.