The two grackles have been split – Boat-Tailed are “quiscalus major” and Great-Tailed are “quiscalus mexicanus.” The Boat-Tailed has a much more restricted range, mostly Florida and the Atlantic coast. The Boat-Tailed nests in marshes and the Great-Tailed nests in drier habitats – trees and bushes. Maybe that’s partly how they decided to divide them, I don’t know. Great-Tailed are much more widespread and increasing, according to Sibley. I still fall for them everywhere. Chances are they’ll start heading for Illinois eventually… ! 😉
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
I would love to see these guys someday. And try to see if I could distinguish them in my brain from the Great-Tailed. Ha ha! Great post! 🙂
They are the same as far as I know. Perhaps is just matter of semantics in some places call them different way. Thanks Lisa! 🙂
The two grackles have been split – Boat-Tailed are “quiscalus major” and Great-Tailed are “quiscalus mexicanus.” The Boat-Tailed has a much more restricted range, mostly Florida and the Atlantic coast. The Boat-Tailed nests in marshes and the Great-Tailed nests in drier habitats – trees and bushes. Maybe that’s partly how they decided to divide them, I don’t know. Great-Tailed are much more widespread and increasing, according to Sibley. I still fall for them everywhere. Chances are they’ll start heading for Illinois eventually… ! 😉
Lisa, your Crows are getting jealous because you’re falling for these other guys!
“Call them potato or …” 🙂