Blackbirds (Icteridae)
Boat-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus major. Insects, crustaceans, grain and scraps on the coast.
Blackbirds (Icteridae)Boat-tailed GrackleQuiscalus major
- Scientific name
- Quiscalus major
- Length
- 10.6–14.6 in
- Weight
- 3.3–8.4 oz
- Nest
- Bulky cup in marsh vegetation or trees, in colonies
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 1–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 13–15 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Male glossy blue-black with a huge keeled tail
- Female warm tawny-brown
- Long, heavy bill
Voice
A loud jumble of harsh rattles, whistles and clacks.
Diet and feeding
Insects, crustaceans, grain and scraps on the coast.
What do boat-tailed grackles eat? · Best feeder for boat-tailed grackles
Boat-tailed Grackles by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Florida | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Georgia | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Louisiana | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Mississippi | Year-round resident | February–July |
| North Carolina | Year-round resident | March–July |
| South Carolina | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Texas | Year-round resident | February–July |
Frequently asked
What do boat-tailed grackles eat?
Insects, crustaceans, grain and scraps on the coast. At feeders: cracked corn, mixed seed, peanuts.
How big is a Boat-tailed Grackle?
10.6–14.6 in long and 3.3–8.4 oz.
Do boat-tailed grackles use birdhouses?
No. Bulky cup in marsh vegetation or trees, in colonies.
Sources
- Boat-tailed Grackle — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Boat-tailed Grackle life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Boat-tailed Grackle — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.