Ecology and Management of the Common Grackle

66The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula; hereafter “grackle”; Figure 4.1) is a large charismatic blackbird species (Icteridae) with striking yellow eyes, iridescent bronze or purple plumage, and a long tail. It is found from the eastern half of North America westward to the Rocky Mountains. It is at home in both suburban and rural habitats. Grackles are one of the earliest nesting passerines in the spring in the Midwest. Preferred nesting sites are generally windbreaks and tree plantings consisting of conifers, which provide early access to nesting cover.