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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. LXXI
Field-journal plate: Common Grackle
The Common Grackle plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate LXXI

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

Icteridae · Taxon 9602

Length28–34 cm (11.0–13.4 in)
Wingspan36–46 cm (14.2–18.1 in)
Weight74–142 g (2.6–5.0 oz)

Field marks

  1. Large, lanky blackbird with long legs
  2. Long, heavy bill with a slight downward curve
  3. Bright pale-yellow eye in adults
  4. Glossy blue-purple head with iridescent body sheen
  5. Long, graduated tail often held in a shallow V
  6. Long tail makes the wings appear comparatively short

HabitatOpen and semi-open habitats with scattered trees, including woodland edges, meadows, marshes, agricultural fields, parks, and suburban lawns; generally avoids extensive unbroken forest.

BehaviorA gregarious, noisy ground forager that walks or struts while pecking for food. Often forms large mixed flocks, roosts high in trees or on exposed perches, and flies directly with stiff wingbeats.

Palette

glossy blackdeep purpleiridescent bluebronze-brownpale yellow