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Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Copyright by: Joe Montes de Oca
Description:
A medium-sized bird measuring up to 13 inches in length. A long, wedge-shaped tail and iridescent black all over.
Range:
Breeds and winters in estern North America.
Habitat(s):
Open areas such as swamps, marshes, lawns, parks, and fields.
Reproduction:
1 to 7 pale blue eggs with black markings are laid in a stick nest placed in a bush or tree. Some nest in colonies.
Natural History:
This species commonly engages in anting, allowing ants to crawl on its body and secrete formic acid, possibly to rid the body of parasites.
Food:
This species feeds on insects, grain, seeds, acorns, fruit, and small fish, birds, mamals, and amphibians.
