H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Today’s feature gallery is about The Boat-tailed Grackle  is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae found as a permanent resident on the coasts of the southeastern USA. It is found in coastal saltwater marshes, and, in Florida, also on inland waters. The nest is a well-concealed cup in trees or shrubs near water; three to five eggs are laid.

The male Boat-tailed Grackle is 15–17 in long and weighs 5.8–8.8 oz. Adult males have entirely iridescent black plumage, a long dark bill, a pale yellowish or brown iris and a long keel-shaped tail. The adult female is much smaller at 10–13 in long and a weight of 3.2–4.1 oz. She is also distinctive via her shorter tail and tawny-brown coloration, which covers the body apart from the darker wings and tail.

I’ve seen them all along Georgia eastern Georgia and in Florida at both, the eastern and western coasts. They are expert thieves, when you are having a picnic and leave any food unattended or if you are distracted. They will manage the way to get some of it. I usually save some crums of bread or any snacks to keep them pleased and away.

They look magnificent when the sun shines on their iridescent plumage.

Next, I have a nice little group of shot from diverse locations. Enjoy!

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101