Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Quailway Cottage, Cochise County

This Common Grackle was discovered and photographed by John Yerger on 24 April 1012.

There are 19 accepted records for the state with 2 more pending.  This species has been expanding in New Mexico and may be expected to occur more often in Arizona in the future. 

The photo shows an icterid with dark, glossy purplish head, long but thick and slightly decurved bill, and yellow iris. The body plumage (especially mantle) is a varied but iridescent bronze to olive in color. Note also the somewhat long, keel-shaped tail. Body plumage indicates that this is a male. Male Great-tailed Grackles would have a much longer tail besides being uniformly purplish or blue/black throughout the body.

Click here for sound recording by Dave Stejskal on 25 Apr

24 April 1012, photo by John Yerger

25 April 2012, photo by Dave Stejskal

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer