The Boat-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus major) is a large blackbird that was once considered the same species as the Great-tailed Grackle.
Distribution / Range
It occurs naturally on the coasts of the southeastern USA.
They are often found in coastal saltwater marshes, and, in Florida, also on inland waters.
Description
The male Boat-tailed Grackle is 42 cm long. Adult males have entirely iridescent black plumage, a long dark bill, a pale yellowish or brown iris and a long keel-shaped tail. The 37-cm long adult female is shorter tailed, and tawny-brown in colour apart from the darker wings and tail.
Young males are black but lack the adult’s iridescence. Immature females are duller versions of the adult female, and have blotches or spots on the breast.
There are four subspecies of the Boat-tailed Grackle, differing in size and color of the eyes.
Diet / Feeding
They mostly eat insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, and grain, even small birds.They forage on the ground, in shallow water, or in shrubs; they will steal food from other birds.
Nesting / Breeding
The nest is a well-concealed cup in trees or shrubs near water; three to five eggs are laid.
Songs / Vocalizations
Its song is described as a harsh jeeb. It also makes a variety of typically grackle-like chatters and sqeaks.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
Please Note: The articles or images on this page are the sole property of the authors or photographers. Please contact them directly with respect to any copyright or licensing questions. Thank you.
