There are huge flocks of common grackles (or blackbirds, as we call them) which live in the evergreen trees along the east side of my yard. At first the grackles ignored the bird feeders but about the first week of September they either started to get hungry or finally noticed the feeders. So far there have been only one or two of these birds feeding at a time and they haven't bothered the smaller birds. I'm hoping it stays that way!

"Peterson Field Guides Eastern Birds" by Roger Tory Peterson, describes the Common Grackle as follows:

Common Grackle: Quiscalus quiscula 11 - 13 1/2" (28 - 34 cm) A large iridescent blackbird larger than a Robin, with a long wedge-shaped or keel-shaped tail. Flight more level than that of other blackbirds. Male with iridescent purple on head, deep bronze or dull purple on back. The "Bronze" Grackle (New England and west of Appalachians) and "Purple" Grackle (seaboard south of New England) were formerly regarded as separate species.

Voice: Note, chuck or chack. "Song" a split rasping note.

Range: Sw. Canada, w. and n.-cen.U.S. Winters to s. Mexico. Habitat: Fields, prairies, farms, parks.


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