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 |
How to Identify
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.
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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 |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
This species is frequently observed in nearly every park throughout Montreal, particularly during the warmer months of the year.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| 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.