Greater Antillean Grackle

Quiscalus niger

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernInvertebratesUrbanCup nestMedium · 72 g

ID tip

The Greater Antillean grackle is 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 12 in) long. Males weigh about 67 to 100 g (2.4 to 3.5 oz) except those of Q. n. crassirostris which average 112 g (4.0 oz). Females weigh about 50 to 72 g (1.8 to 2.5 oz) except those of Q. n. crassirostris which average 79 g (2.8 oz). Males have a long graduated tail which it holds in a "V" shape; females' tails are shorter and held flat. Adults of both sexes of all subspecies are entirely black; males are glossy and most females are less so. The nominate subspecies Q. n. niger is the smallest. Voice: The Greater Antillean grackle's song varies greatly among the subspecies "but (for a grackle) is relatively musical". Songs have been described as "a metallic cling-cling-cling and flute-like whistles". Its calls include "chuk or chuk-chuk or chin-chin-chilin high wee-si-si and harsh notes".

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Greater Antillean Grackle

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is March, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Greater Antillean Grackle

Regular range

The map shades 6 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

About the Greater Antillean Grackle

The Greater Antillean grackle is a species of bird in the family Icteridae, the oropendolas, New World orioles, and New World blackbirds. It is found in the Greater Antilles from Cuba to Puerto Rico and in the Cayman Islands southwest of Cuba.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Great-tailed Grackle vs Greater Antillean Grackle · Boat-tailed Grackle vs Greater Antillean Grackle · Carib Grackle vs Greater Antillean Grackle · Greater Antillean Grackle vs Nicaraguan Grackle

Learn the Greater Antillean Grackle in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.