A married man is a caged bird

A married man is a caged bird.

An Italian proverb

Common Grackle

The Common Grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, is a large icterid (Icterids are a group of small to medium, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World)

Identification Tips:
• Length: 10-12 inches
• Very long tail
• Long bill
• Frequently gathers in large flocks

Adult:
• Entirely black plumage
• Entirely purple or purple and greenish iridiscence to plumage
• Pale eye

Have you seen this bird?

Juvenile:
• Dark eye
• Dark brown plumage

This bird is a permanent resident in much of its range. Northern birds migrate in flocks to the southeastern United States. The breeding habitat is open and semi-open areas across North America east of the Rocky Mountains.

The Common Grackle is omnivorous, eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, grain and even small birds. It forages on the ground, in shallow water, or in shrubs. This bird will steal food from other birds.

The range of the Common Grackle bird expanded west as forests were cleared. In some areas, it is now considered a pest by farmers because of their large numbers and fondness for grain.