Common grackle
| Common grackle Temporal range:
| |
|---|---|
Secure (NatureServe) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Icteridae |
| Genus: | Quiscalus |
| Species: | Q. quiscula
|
| Binomial name | |
| Quiscalus quiscula | |
| Approximate range in North America Breeding range Year-round range Wintering range
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Gracula quiscula Linnaeus, 1758 | |
The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is an icterid bird found in large numbers through much of North America. It was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus and has three officially recognized subspecies. Adult common grackles have a long and dark bill, pale yellow eyes, and a long tail. Adults often have a bluish iridescent appearance on their head, this feature being more pronounced on males. Common grackles can be found widely across North America east of the Rocky Mountains and are highly adaptable to their environment.