Great-tailed Grackle
A loud, social blackbird of open places near water; it is interesting to observe but is not a good target for concentrated yard feeding.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look in lawns, parks, farmyards, fields, marsh edges, trees, parking areas, and urban roosts across the Midwest and West.
Food
Grains, fruit, insects, spiders, snails, worms, amphibians, small vertebrates, eggs, and nestlings.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
Great-tailed Grackle habitat
Open foraging areas, nearby water, and trees or hedgerows support them naturally; avoid creating a large predictable roost around a home.
Great-tailed Grackle diet and food
Grains, fruit, insects, spiders, snails, worms, amphibians, small vertebrates, eggs, and nestlings.
Do not put out cracked corn or milo specifically for grackles; use feeder design and cleanup that keeps food available to smaller birds.
Great-tailed Grackle nesting and breeding
Builds a cup high in trees or shrubs, marsh plants, and sometimes structures near water; leave active nests alone and avoid a nest box plan.
Great-tailed Grackle behavior and where to look
Forms noisy social flocks and can crowd other birds at food sources, especially around lawns, water, and communal roost trees.
Photography
Photograph from the edge of a flock or roost without feeding, flushing, or getting below a nest tree.
What to avoid
Do not leave food waste, corn, or milo accessible, and do not disturb large roosts or active colonies.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
