Boat-tailed Grackle vs Nicaraguan Grackle

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

Medium151 gWetland

The male boat-tailed grackle is 37–43 cm (15–17 in) long and weighs 165–250 g (5.8–8.8 oz). Adult males have entirely iridescent black plumage, a long dark bill, a pale yellowish or brown iris, and a long keel-shaped tail. The adult female is much smaller at 26–33 cm (10–13 in) long and a weight of 90–115 g (3.2–4.1 oz). She is also distinguished by her shorter tail and tawny-brown coloration, which covers the body apart from the darker wings and tail. The wingspan in adult birds is 39–50 cm (15–20 in). In standard measurements, this species measures 13–20 cm (5.1–7. Voice: Its song is a harsh jeeb, and it has a variety of typically grackle-like chatters and squeaks. Their call lacks of whistles and clucks typical of the great-tailed grackle.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: JeffreyGammon · CC BY 4.0

Nicaraguan Grackle

Quiscalus nicaraguensis

Medium63 gWetland

It is a medium-sized bird with a long, graduated tail and fairly long bill and legs. The bill and legs are black and the eye is pale yellow. The male is about 31 cm long while the female is 25 cm. The adult male's plumage is entirely black with an iridescent gloss. The gloss is violet on the belly and tail, violet-green on the head, back, and breast, and blue-green on most of the wings. The tail of the male is V-shaped, rising from the centre to the outer feathers. Immature males are duller and less glossy than the adults, with a brown belly and thighs.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Daniel Ghyselinck · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Boat-tailed Grackle and Nicaraguan Grackle.