ExploreBirds

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

The Boat-tailed Grackle is a shiny black bird with a long, beautiful tail that looks like a boat's tail! They are often seen in groups and love to make loud, cheerful sounds.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Boat-tailed Grackle is a large, glossy black bird with an iridescent purple-blue sheen, featuring a long, distinctive keeled tail in males. Females are smaller and duller, typically brown, differing significantly from the males in coloration.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyIcteridaeGenusQuiscalus
Boat-tailed Grackle
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Boat-tailed Grackle

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Depending on where they live, their bright yellow eyes can even be dark brown!

Males are HUGE compared to females, often twice as heavy and much longer!

These clever birds sometimes steal food right from the mouths of other birds!

They nest in big noisy groups called colonies, sometimes with hundreds of birds flocking together!

Special abilities

Ability

Vocal Variety Show

Boat-tailed Grackle can make many different sounds, including whistles and rasps, which helps them communicate and establish territories.

Ability

Tail-Rudder Navigator

Boat-tailed Grackle has a long, stiff tail that acts like a rudder, helping them steer precisely during flight over wetlands.

Ability

Feathered Forager

Boat-tailed Grackle can eat almost anything, from tiny insects to small fish, because of their incredibly adaptable diet.

Measurements & details

Length
28-43 cm
Wingspan
40-50 cm
Weight
0.09-0.25 kg
Lifespan
5-14 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
12-15 days

Diet & Feeding

Boat-tailed Grackles are versatile eaters, enjoying bugs, fish, seeds, and even human snacks!

Primary Foods

  • insects
  • crustaceans
  • small fish
  • seeds
  • berries
  • human scraps

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Boat-tailed Grackle?

28-43 cm

What is Boat-tailed Grackle's wingspan?

40-50 cm

How much does Boat-tailed Grackle weigh?

0.09-0.25 kg

How long does Boat-tailed Grackle live?

5-14 years

How fast can Boat-tailed Grackle move?

45 km/h

What does Boat-tailed Grackle eat?

Boat-tailed Grackles are versatile eaters, enjoying bugs, fish, seeds, and even human snacks!

Where is Boat-tailed Grackle usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Boat-tailed Grackle hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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