Common Grackle

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is in the New World Blackbirds and Orioles family (Icteridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 72,596 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): NT.

When to photograph Common Grackle: observations by month (U.S.)

About Common Grackle

The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a large icterid found in large numbers through much of North America.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Common Grackle by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (New World Blackbirds and Orioles)

Red-winged BlackbirdAgelaius phoeniceus

Great-tailed GrackleQuiscalus mexicanus

Brown-headed CowbirdMolothrus ater

Baltimore OrioleIcterus galbula

Brewer's BlackbirdEuphagus cyanocephalus

Boat-tailed GrackleQuiscalus major

Western MeadowlarkSturnella neglecta

Hooded OrioleIcterus cucullatus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ