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The adult Grackle has a long dark bill, pale yellowish eyes and a long tail; its plumage is an iridescent black, or purple on the head. The adult female is slightly smaller and less glossy. The breeding habitat is open and semi-open areas across North America east of the Rocky Mountains. The nest is a well-concealed cup in dense trees (particularly pine) or shrubs, usually near water; sometimes, the Common Grackle will nest in cavities or in man-made structures. It often nests in colonies, some being quite large. The Common Grackle forages on the ground, in shallow water or in shrubs; it will steal food from other birds. It is omnivorous, eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, grain and even small birds.
Fox squirrels, eastern chipmunks, rat snakes, domestic cats, gray squirrels, bull snakes, and raccoons eat the eggs and nestlings of common grackles. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, Cooper's hawks, short-eared owls, and great horned owls are predators of adult common grackles.
Conservation status: One of the most widespread species in north America; they are protected by the Migratory Bird Act.
Visual Scare Devices
Electronic Repellers
Roosting & Landing Inhibitors
Taste & Smell Deterrents
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