Fauna Flora Photography

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula

A common mid-size bird spending the warmer season around Montreal, wintering in the Southern USA. Omnivorous species feeding on the ground, in shallow waters or shrubs. Prefer open and semi-open areas.

Specs

Length30-40cm
Weight70-120g
Wingspan45-55cm

Common Names

GermanPurpur-Grackel
EnglishCommon Grackle
FrenchQuiscale bronzé
SpanishZanate norteño

Taxonomy

OrderPasseriformes
FamilyIcteridae
SpeciesQuiscalus quiscula

How to Identify

Iridescent blue head and neck with well contrasting bright yellow eyes. Dark brown back.

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) - Parc de la Frayère - 2017-05-27

Where and When to Spot

I observed this species in almost every park around Montreal. Very common during the warmer months of the year.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal x - - -
Parc Angrignon x x - -
Parc Bernard-Landry x - - -
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies x - - -
Parc de la Frayère x - - -

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.

Last updated on 2023-12-15. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.