May 28, 2015 8:12 am
Some of the species of birds that visit my backyard come in small flocks or groups. On of them being the Common Grackles.
The male, is larger than the female. Adults have a long, dark bill, pale yellowish eyes and a long tail; its feathers appear black with purple, green or blue iridescence on the head, and primarily bronze sheen in the body plumage. The adult female, beyond being smaller, is usually less iridescent; her tail in particular is shorter, and unlike the males, does not keel (display a longitudinal ridge) in flight and is brown with no purple or blue gloss. The juvenile is brown with dark brown eyes.
They may have a mean or sinister gaze but they are beautiful birds just like others that fly around in the wilderness. They just happen to be a bit too large for the average feeders.
I have fun watching them trying to adapt in the smaller bird’s domain.
Photo Gallery
Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101
Posted by H.J. for avian101
Categories: Birds from my Backyard, Birds Photography, Gallery of Birds
Tags: birds, Common Grackle, nature, photography, photos of birds
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they also dive-bomb me hitchcock-style when I walk the dog in the wee hours. they are very protective of their newly-made nests. they have a walk which is somewhat pigeon-like, thrusting their heads out, bodies following. when autumn comes, they’re gone from here.
By weisserwatercolours on May 28, 2015 at 10:59 am
I’m sorry that happened to you, maybe they reacted so because of the dog. I do not have any problems with them. Thanks for sharing Lance! 🙂
By avian101 on May 28, 2015 at 11:15 am
Strong looking birds who would stand no nonsense.
By susanpoozan on May 28, 2015 at 11:43 am
They have enough attributes to deter a fight. Thanks Susan! 🙂
By avian101 on May 28, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Lovely grackle photos, HJ. Due to the light, the blueish hood is not always seen; appreciate that you captured it here. 😀
By Jet Eliot on May 28, 2015 at 4:17 pm
I always do my best to get the colors of their plumage, otherwise they’d just look like a shadowy image with weird eyes. Thank you Jet! 🙂
By avian101 on May 28, 2015 at 4:28 pm
I spent some time catching up with your blog today: examining your photographs and reading your words. Such fun. I really like grackles; they visit our yard one in a while but are not regular visitors. Did you have a chance to read my last post “Transforming Moments” in which I wrote about the evening grosbeak? I thought about you when I wrote it and published it. I think you’d like it.
By Aunt Beulah on May 28, 2015 at 6:09 pm
Yes, I read it and as well as you get transformed by the presence of natural beauty I do get the same…daily! I love to be cooperating with the birds, I feed them and I photograph them! I’m so glad that you are finding nature glorious beauty. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
By avian101 on May 28, 2015 at 10:06 pm
That beak makes them look very determined.
By tootlepedal on May 28, 2015 at 6:57 pm
Yes, it’s true! Thanks Tom! 🙂
By avian101 on May 28, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Great pics and bird info, thanks again Avian, I do appreciate your excellent blog, it helps us Aussies learn more about your birds.
By aussiebirder on May 29, 2015 at 6:43 am
Thank you very much for your kind words! 🙂
By avian101 on May 29, 2015 at 12:09 pm
Beautiful, HJ. I agree with you about their appearance – these birds don’t get enough appreciation for their good qualities!
By Birder's Journey on May 30, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Thank you very much Carol! 🙂
By avian101 on May 30, 2015 at 5:13 pm