The best feeder for great-tailed grackles
Expanding north fast. Huge roosts gather in parking-lot trees; a cage feeder keeps them off small-bird seed.
Feeder styles that work
An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What to fill it with
- Cracked corn
- Mixed seed
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Great-tailed Grackle measures 15–18.1 in and weighs 3.7–8.1 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for great-tailed grackles?
Platform / tray feeder. An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
What should I put in a feeder for great-tailed grackles?
Cracked corn, Mixed seed.
Where should I place a feeder for great-tailed grackles?
Expanding north fast. Huge roosts gather in parking-lot trees; a cage feeder keeps them off small-bird seed.
Sources
- Great-tailed Grackle — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Great-tailed Grackle life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Great-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.