Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is a large, lanky blackbird with glossy iridescent plumage, bright yellow eyes, and a long, wedge-shaped tail. Males shimmer with bronze, purple, and green sheaths, while females are slightly duller. They are vocal and gregarious, often gathering in massive flocks during migration near water sources.

Dark grey to black with distinct iridescent sheen showing subtle blue-purple highlights under direct light, characteristic of structural coloration in grackle plumage

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to a slightly more plumulaceous base; intact and clean condition

Smooth, slightly glossy appearance with a soft, flexible texture typical of passerine body plumage

Dark, iridescent dark grey-to-black coloration, slender curved rachis, and glossy structural sheen typical of blackbird body feathers

Agricultural fields, wet meadows, open woodlands, suburban lawns, and near lakeshores or marshes

Year-round and breeding resident across eastern and central North America, migrating south in winter

Acts as an omnivore controlling insect populations while also consuming seeds and grains; serves as an important food source for larger avian and mammalian predators

Red-winged Blackbird and European Starling; distinguished by the specific iridescent purple-blue tones and larger contour size compared to smaller blackbird species

Common Grackles sometimes engage in 'anting,' rubbing ants onto their feathers to absorb formic acid, which deters parasites. They are also known to use discarded cigarette butts to line their nests, as the nicotine helps repel pests.

Good condition, fresh appearance with intact barbs and no visible wear, fraying, or parasitic damage

Wisconsin near water during migration with lots of grackles present