Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 16 inches
* Very long tail
* Eyes pale in birds from Atlantic coast, browner in Florida and Gulf Coast populations
* Long bill
* Frequently gathers in flocks
* Most often found in salt marshes (more widespread in Florida)

Male:

* Entirely black plumage with purple iridescence

Female:

* Buffy supercilium and breast
* Remainder of plumage dark brown

Similar species:

The male Boat-tailed Grackle is similar to the Common Grackle but is larger with a much longer tail. Great-tailed and Boat-tailed Grackles are very similar but fortunately have mostly different ranges. Great-tailed Grackles have paler eyes and different calls.