greater antillean grackle Photo © Jerry Oldenettel
CUBS Bird Guide : Puerto Rico

Greater Antillean Grackle

Regional Species

As its name suggests, the Greater Antillean Grackle is almost confined to the Greater Antilles, where it occurs on all four main islands, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, but the species is also found on the Caymans. Seven subspecies are generally recognized across this range, some of them restricted to small islands, and they typically differ in the extent and color of the glossy tones to the plumage.

Habitat

Food

Forages mainly on the ground, seeking out seeds and insects, but also taking a wide variety of other prey, including small lizards and even human scraps

Behavior

These are noisy, bold birds, confident around Man, and very much ‘at home’ in heavily disturbed habitats. Greater Antillean Grackles sometimes form large roosts.

Nesting

Frequently nests in colonies on trees

Appearance

Size and Shape

Unusual keel-shaped tail, which is slightly less developed in the female, and which one almost expects the bird to use as a ‘rudder’ in flight.

Color Pattern

Overall, the species appears glossy black with almost startlingly yellow eyes.

Similar Species

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