Bird of the Month - The Grackle

Grackles are social birds that often travel in large flocks, sometimes alongside other blackbird species like Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds. Their diet is diverse, ranging from insects, seeds, and small fish to garbage, and they’ve been observed following plows for food. One unique behavior is “Anting,” where they rub ants or other substances like lemon juice and mothballs on their feathers, possibly to help with parasite control.

These intelligent birds can solve puzzles and adapt to new challenges. Male Grackles sometimes leave their mates before their young are fully independent, and while some can live over 23 years, most don't reach adulthood. Their flocking behavior changes seasonally, with smaller groups during breeding and massive flocks in winter. Grackles' calls are harsh and squeaky, and a group of them is often called a "plague."

Farmers dislike Grackles because they can cause massive damage to corn crops, eating both sprouts and ripening corn. Lastly, Grackles have a tough keel inside their upper mandibles, which they use to crack open acorns.

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