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 |
Resources
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.