Great-tailed Grackle (female)

Scientific Name: Quiscalus mexicanus

Order & Family: Order Passeriformes / Family Icteridae

Size: 11.4 - 18.5 inches (29 - 47 cm) in length

Great-tailed Grackle (female)

Natural Habitat

Open areas with scattered trees, agricultural fields, and urban settings such as parking lots and city parks.

Diet & Feeding

Highly omnivorous; eats insects, spiders, seeds, corn, fruits, and human food scraps; also hunts small animals like frogs and lizards.

Behavior Patterns

Highly social and vocal birds that form large, noisy flocks. Females are brownish while males are iridescent black. They are known for being bold around humans, often begging for food.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest insect populations; however, they can be social nuisances in urban areas due to loud noise and droppings.

Identified on: 3/7/2026