Great-tailed Grackle

The great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is a passerine bird native to North and South America, stretching from the northwestern United States down through Mexico, Central America, and into northern parts of South America. It has adapted well to both urban and rural environments, expanding its range significantly over the years. This bird exhibits significant differences between males and females, with males showcasing a deep iridescent black color and a large, keel-shaped tail, while females are smaller, with a more modest brownish tone and a shorter tail. Adult males can reach up to 43 cm (17 inches) in length, including the tail, whereas females max out at about 37 cm (14.5 inches). Their distinctive tail, almost as long as their body, sets them apart from similar species like the common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). 

Great-tailed grackles are highly adaptable birds, found in a variety of habitats ranging from agricultural fields to urban parks and coastal regions. They show a preference for areas near water, such as wetlands or riversides. Their diet is omnivorous and varied, consisting of insects, seeds, fruit, and even small vertebrates. These birds are opportunistic feeders, often foraging on the ground in open areas. They have been observed using their intelligence to access food, including flipping over rocks and debris to find insects and following farmers to catch insects turned up by plowing.

Great-tailed grackles exhibit complex social behaviors and are often found in large, noisy flocks, especially near roosting sites. These flocks can include hundreds to thousands of individuals, demonstrating a highly structured social hierarchy. During the day, they may split into smaller groups to forage but come together in the evenings. Communication within these groups is sophisticated, involving a range of vocalizations to signal danger, locate food, or establish social bonds. Interestingly, these birds are known for their boldness in urban environments, approaching humans closely, which indicates their adaptability and intelligence in navigating human-dominated landscapes. Their social dynamics, combined with their adaptability, have allowed them to thrive in a wide range of environments, from untouched natural habitats to bustling urban centers.

The breeding season for great-tailed grackles varies by region but typically occurs during the spring and early summer. Males are polygynous, often mating with several females, and can be seen performing elaborate courtship displays that include puffing up their feathers, spreading their tails, and emitting loud calls.

Nests are constructed by females in trees or bushes, usually near water. The nest is made from twigs, grass, and mud, forming a deep cup structure. Females lay 4 to 7 eggs per clutch, which are incubated for about 13 to 14 days before hatching. Fledglings then leave the nest approximately 16 to 20 days later, though they continue to be fed by the parents for some time.

The great-tailed grackle benefits from its ability to thrive in a wide range of environments, including urban areas where it can find plentiful food and nesting sites. However, their adaptability and increasing population have led to them being considered pests in some areas due to their loud calls and habit of foraging in agricultural lands and urban settings. It is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.