PURPLE MARTIN
DOWNY (figs. 1 and 2) and HAIRY WOODPECKERS (fig. 3)
Purple Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula) Blackbird family
Called also: CROW BLACKBIRD; MAIZE THIEF; KEEL-TAILED GRACKLE
(Illustration facing p. [49])
Length—12 to 13 inches. About one-fourth as large again as the robin.
Male—Iridescent black, in which metallic violet, blue, copper, and green tints predominate. The plumage of this grackle has iridescent bars. Iris of eye bright yellow and conspicuous. Tail longer than wings.
Female—Less brilliant black than male, and smaller.
Range—Gulf of Mexico to 57th parallel north latitude.