The Great-tailed Grackle, also known as the Mexican Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), is a medium-sized, highly social bird native to North and South America. This striking bird is a member of the Icteridae family and thrives in various regions including Arizona. Its glossy black plumage often leads to confusion with crows or other “blackbirds,” but grackles belong to their own unique genus.
Quick Facts About the Great-tailed Grackle:
- Native to North and South America.
- Known for its loud vocalizations.
- Highly adaptable to urban environments.
- Males are larger and more iridescent than females.
- Often seen in Arizona.
Subspecies Details
The Great-tailed Grackle was first described in 1788 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin. There are eight recognized subspecies:
- Q. m. nelsoni – Southwest US and Northwest Mexico
- Q. m. graysoni – West Mexico
- Q. m. obscurus – Southwest Mexico
- Q. m. monsoni – Central West US to Central North Mexico
- Q.m.prosopidicola–Central,CentralSouthUStoNortheastMexico 6.Q.m.mexicanus–CentralMexicotoNicaragua 7.Q.m.loweryi–YucatánPeninsula(SoutheastMexico),Belizeandnearbyislands 8.Q.m.peruvianus–CostaRicatocoastalNorthPeruandVenezuela
Size & Measurements
Great-tailed Grackles are medium-sized birds:
- Length: 38–46 cm (15–18 inches)
- Weight: Males 203–265 g (7.2–9.3 oz); Females 115–142 g (4.1–5 oz)
- Wingspan: 48–58 cm (18.9–22 inches)
Appearance & Features
Males boast iridescent black feathers with a purple-blue sheen, while females have brown plumage with darker wings and tails:
- Bright yellow eyes for adults of both sexes.
- Juveniles have brown eyes and resemble adult females but with streaked breasts.
Where It Lives – Including Arizona Locations
Great-tailed Grackles can be found across a wide range from northwestern Venezuela up through western Colombia, Ecuador, all the way north into Minnesota and westward into Oregon, Idaho, California, and eastward into Florida: In Arizona—these birds are common sights in urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson.
Habitat Preferences
These birds thrive in diverse landscapes such as pastures, wetlands, mangroves, chaparral areas—and they adapt well to agricultural lands and urban settings.
Diet & Eating Habits
Grackles exhibit versatile foraging habits:
- They feed on larvae, insects from grassy areas; lizards; nestlings; eggs; fruits like bananas; grains such as maize.
- They hunt tadpoles by wading into shallow waters or catch fish close to water surfaces.
Migration Habits
While primarily resident birds within their range—they may show local movements based on food availability or environmental conditions.
Conservation Status & Threats
Classified as “Least Concern” by IUCN—their population remains stable due largely due their adaptability—though habitat destruction could pose future threats.
