Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a striking bird known for its iridescent blue head and bright yellow eyes, often seen thriving in Montreal's parks during the warmer months. This adaptable, omnivorous species prefers open and semi-open areas, feeding on the ground, in shallow waters, or among shrubs, and migrates to the Southern USA for winter.

🇫🇷	Quiscale bronzé
🇩🇪	Purpur-Grackel
🇲🇽	Zanate norteño

Taxonomy

Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae

ID and Whereabouts

The Common Grackle is distinguished by its iridescent blue head and neck, which contrast strikingly with its bright yellow eyes. Its back is a dark brown.

This species is frequently observed in nearly every park throughout Montreal, particularly during the warmer months of the year.

Location	Spring	Summer	Autumn	Winter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal	x	-	-	-
Parc Angrignon	x	x	-	-
Parc Bernard-Landry	x	-	-	-
Parc Michel-Chartrand	x	-	-	-
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies	x	-	-	-
Parc de la Frayère	x	-	-	-

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

Characteristics

Length	28-24cm
Weight	74-142g
Wingspan	36-46cm
Clutch Size	1-7 eggs
Incubation	11-15 days
Fledging	10-17 days
Sexual Maturity	1 year

Explore More

📖 For more information about this species: Wikipedia Page