Common grackle
Common grackles are members of the blackbird family. However, the common grackle differs in appearance from the blackbird in several ways; the adults have a blue-purple shine, a long tail and yellow-coloured eyes that seem to give a piercing stare. The juvenile is dark brown in color and has dark eyes.
Common grackles are seed eaters and commonly eat on the ground, although they also visit feeders. They stride about purposefully on long legs and are commonly found in groups. In a mixed setting, they tend to dominate as they are taller than starlings and have a loud, piercing cry.
The common grackle visits the bird bath to sip water and to bathe on hot days.
Eating, drinking and bathing
This compilation video features various grackles feeding, drinking and bathing. The high-pitched singing heard in this video comes from nearby chickadees.
The video is hosted on YouTube because of its large file size. New segments will be added weekly.