Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)

OTHER NAMES: Mexican Grackle
Latin Etymology:  Quiscalus (unclear origin) mexicanus ("of Mexico")

Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) at Hotel Robledal, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Quiscalus mexicanus peruvianus
Weight: 115-265g  /  Length: 38-46cm  /  Wingspan: 58-54cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A bold, rowdy species of bird that has adapted well to human habitation, often being one of the most conspicuous birds in more urban parts of Costa Rica. They are highly social and are often found in flocks near water. Though not corvids, they somewhat fulfil a similar niche as crows do in Europe being highly intelligent omnivores that are adaptable to food sources including hunting, scavenging and eating fruit or grain.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Quiscalus
SUBSPECIES: Q. m. nelsoni, Q. m. graysoni, Q. m. obscurus, Q. m. prosopidicola  Q. m. mexicanus, Q. m. loweryi, Q. m. peruvianus
 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Zanate Mexicano

Widespread and Common
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles, San Jose and Alajuela

 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Quiscalus (unclear origin) quiscula (unclear origin)

 

Juvenile Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) in North Dakota - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Bronzed Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula versicolor
Weight: 74-142g  /  Length: 28-34cm  /  Wingspan: 35-46cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Near Threatened 

A common and omnivorous bird that has generally adapted well to human habitation and will nest in made made structures, but nonetheless is considered Near Threatened due to being significantly down from it's historic peak. They have a beak with a special saw like plate inside adapted for making them better at crushing hard nuts.  They also are somewhat attuned to Earth's magnetic field, although the precise purpose and utility of this is still unclear.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Quiscalus
SUBSPECIES: Q. q. quiscula, Q. q. stonei, Q. q. versicolor

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Breeding migrant across South East Canada.
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta

UNITED STATES - Resident in South East USA, migrant Breeding range extends further North and West.
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois, North Dakota and Montana

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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