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.
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.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Carib GrackleQuiscalus lugubrisMale Carib grackles average 26 cm (10 in) long and females about 22 cm (8.7 in).
Nicaraguan GrackleQuiscalus nicaraguensisIt is a medium-sized bird with a long, graduated tail and fairly long bill and legs.
Boat-tailed GrackleQuiscalus majorThe male boat-tailed grackle is 37–43 cm (15–17 in) long and weighs 165–250 g (5.8–8.8 oz).
Side by side: Great-tailed Grackle vs Greater Antillean Grackle · Boat-tailed Grackle vs Greater Antillean Grackle · Carib Grackle vs Greater Antillean Grackle
Learn the Greater Antillean Grackle for real
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