The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a very common sight across much of North America. They are medium-sized blackbirds that are known for their shiny iridescent feathers. The males and females look quite different from each other, with the males being all black with glossy feathers, while the females are brownish with some streaking. In this article, we will focus on describing the appearance of the female common grackle.
Size and Shape
The female common grackle is approximately 8.5–13 inches (22–33 cm) in length with a wingspan of around 12.5–19 inches (32–48 cm). They have a long tail that makes up around half of their total body length. Their body shape is typical of many passerine songbirds, with a moderately plump body and conical beak.
Overall, the female common grackle has a slender look from head to tail. Their neck is elongated and their head is rounded at the top. Their wings are broad and taper to a point at the tip. Their tail is also rather long and rounded or graduated in shape.
Plumage
The female common grackle’s plumage consists of dark brown to blackish feathers covering most of their body, with some lighter brown streaking on their underparts. Their wings and back are a darker shade of brown closer to black, while their underside tends to be a lighter brown. The plumage over much of their body has an overall ragged look.
Head
The head of the female common grackle is a medium brown color with some faint streaking. Their crown and nape tend to be a slightly darker and grayer shade of brown. They lack the glossy iridescence on the head that males display. Their eyes are yellow with black pupils. They have a long dark gray bill with a rounded tip.
Chest and Belly
The female’s chest and belly are a light golden brown to tan color with heavy dark brown streaking throughout. The streaking helps break up the bird’s outline when perched on the ground. There are also some weakly defined stripes on the lower breast area.
Wings
The wings are mostly dark brown to blackish, with light brown edges on some of the wing covert feathers. The greater coverts form two faint bars or stripes across each wing. The flight feathers are dark grayish-brown. When perched, the wings appear broad and rounded at the ends.
Tail
The long tail of the female grackle is a blackish-brown color, slightly rounded or graduated in shape. The outer tail feathers are tipped with pale brown. When spread during flight, the tail appears wide and fans out behind the bird.
Differences from Males
The males of this species have plumage that is entirely shiny black, looking nearly iridescent in bright light. Their eyes are also pale yellow rather than brown. Males are slightly larger than females, though the sexes are hard to distinguish by size alone.
The all-black plumage with glossy iridescence makes the males’ appearance much more striking than the females. However, the duller brown plumage of the females serves as camouflage when they are incubating eggs in a nest.
Similar Species
The female common grackle resembles several other species when seen alone. Here are some other birds that look similar:
- Red-winged Blackbird – females are streaked brown overall but have a pale median stripe on head and yellow/red shoulder patches
- Boat-tailed Grackle – larger with a very long tail; females are dark brown with no streaking below
- Rusty Blackbird – females have a gray (not brown) body; winter males are also gray-brown
- Common Starling – similar size but shape is stockier; female is gray-brown below with spots instead of streaks
The best way to confirm an identification of a female common grackle is to note the combination of a lanky shape, rather long tail, and heavily streaked brown underparts. Their vocalizations are also distinctive.
Geographic Variation
Female common grackles are very similar in appearance across their widespread geographic range. There are no distinctly different subspecies or regional forms.
Some minor differences may occur at the edges of their range. For example, birds in the far west may show slightly duller plumage with grayer tones to the brown coloration. But in general, females look alike throughout the species distribution.
Behavior and Habitat
The behavior and habitat use of female common grackles also help identify them:
- Gregarious outside of breeding season, forming large mixed flocks with other blackbirds
- Walk on ground with hunched posture while foraging
- Frequently roost in marshes at night with other grackles
- Nest in trees near open fields, marshes, lakes, etc.
- Forage on ground in open areas like lawns, agricultural fields
- Can be seen perching on power lines, fence posts, and other open perches
Spotting female grackles foraging on the ground in open areas or mixed into large flocks is a good way to observe them. Their vocalizations, such as raspy squeaks and rattling calls, may help locate them as well.
Conclusion
In summary, the adult female common grackle has the following identifying features:
- Medium-sized blackbird
- Slender body shape with long neck and long tail
- Head is brown with slight crest
- Dark brown back and mostly brown wings
- Underparts light brown with heavy dark streaking
- Long gray bill and yellow eyes
- Lacks glossy iridescence of male
The female’s brown and heavily-streaked plumage provides camouflage while nesting and raising young. Compared to the male’s dazzling iridescent feathers, the female’s appearance is rather dull and nondescript. But they share the grackle’s distinctive shape, behavior, and vocalizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the appearance of female common grackles:
What color are female grackles?
Female common grackles have mostly brown plumage with heavy streaking below. Their back and wings are dark brown to blackish, while the head and underparts are medium to light golden brown in color with dark streaks throughout.
Do female grackles have iridescent feathers?
No, only male common grackles have strongly iridescent black feathers that can appear glossy purple, blue, or green in bright light. Females lack iridescence in their plumage.
Why do female grackles look so different from males?
The dull brown plumage provides camouflage for the females when they are incubating eggs and raising young in the nest. The more colorful males likely use their flashy feathers to attract mates.
Do female and male grackles have different beak colors?
No, both sexes have the same long grayish beak color. Beak color is not a reliable way to distinguish males from females.
How can you recognize a female grackle?
The combination of a slender body shape, long tail, streaked golden brown underparts, and dark back/wings are the best clues to identify a female common grackle. Their behavior, such as ground foraging and flocking habits, are also useful identification tips.
Conclusion
In summary, the adult female common grackle has dull brown and heavily streaked plumage that lacks any iridescent sheen. While not as striking as the male’s appearance, the female’s understated colors and patterns serve an important purpose in concealment while breeding. With practice, the female’s size, shape, behavior, and other features allow certain identification.