Bird Guide: Land Birds East of the Rockies, from Parrots to Bluebirds

by Chester A. Reed

PURPLE GRACKLE

511. Quiscalus quiscula. 12 inches

Male with purple head and greenish back; female brownish gray. All the Grackles are very similar in appearance, the colors varying with different individuals of the same species. Their habits are alike, too, and I consider them one of the most destructive of our birds.

Note.—A harsh “tchack,” and a squeaky song.

Nest.—Of sticks and twigs, usually in pines in the North and bushes in the South. Four eggs, pale bluish gray with black scrawls (1.10 × .80).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to Mass.

Sub-Species.—511a. Florida Grackle (aglæus), slightly smaller. 511b. Bronzed Grackle (æneus), with a purple head and usually a brassy back. Eastern U. S., breeding north to Labrador and Manitoba.