The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Bird›Grackle
Science & Nature • Bird

Grackle

Grackles are New World blackbirds in the family Icteridae, known for their iridescent dark plumage, long tails, and loud calls.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Grackles are New World blackbirds in the family Icteridae, known for their iridescent dark plumage, long tails, and loud calls. The name refers to several species in the grackle group, including the common, great-tailed, and boat-tailed grackles, which occur across North and South America. They are adaptable birds that feed on insects, seeds, grain, and other available foods.

Taxonomy

Grackles are birds in the family Icteridae and order Passeriformes. The name is used for several related species rather than a single bird.

Appearance and behaviour

Grackles are large, lanky blackbirds with long tails, long legs, and iridescent plumage. They are often seen walking on the ground, feeding in groups, or roosting in flocks.

Habitat and distribution

Grackles occur across North and South America in habitats such as marshes, wetlands, woodland edges, farmland, parks, and suburban areas. Some species have expanded their range in response to human-altered landscapes.

Diet and ecology

Grackles eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, seeds, grain, fruit, and human food waste. They can help control insects but may also raid crops and feedlots.

Key facts

  • Grackle is a common name for several species of birds in the blackbird family Icteridae.
  • They are characterized by dark, glossy plumage and long tails.
  • Grackles are opportunistic feeders and eat insects, seeds, grain, garbage, and sometimes small vertebrates.
  • Many species are social and may gather in large flocks or colonies.
  • The common grackle is widespread in eastern North America, including parts of Canada.
🍁
Canadian context

Common grackles breed in parts of central and southern Canada, making them familiar birds in many Canadian regions during spring and summer.

Frequently asked questions

What is a grackle?
A grackle is a type of New World blackbird in the family Icteridae, referring to several species with dark, iridescent plumage and long tails.
How many species of grackle are there?
Sources disagree slightly, but modern accounts commonly describe about 10 to 11 living grackle species, depending on classification.
Where do grackles live?
Grackles live across North and South America, especially in open habitats, wetlands, farmland, suburbs, and parks.
What do grackles eat?
They eat insects, seeds, grain, fruit, garbage, and sometimes small vertebrates such as fish or nestlings.
Are grackles found in Canada?
Yes. Common grackles breed in parts of central and southern Canada and are present in southern Canada during the breeding season.
Why are grackles sometimes considered pests?
Large flocks can damage crops and gather around feedlots or grain sources, although they also eat many insects.

References

  1. Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Grackle/overview
    Supports: Common grackle appearance, habitat, and feeding behavior
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/grackle
    Supports: General definition of grackles, family Icteridae, diet, nesting, and flocking
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/common-grackle
    Supports: Common grackle scientific name, range, and general description
  4. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/birds/common-grackle.html
    Supports: Common grackle range into Canada, habitat, and flocking behavior
  5. Birdorable — https://www.birdorable.com/blog/fascinating-facts-about-grackles
    Supports: Count of living grackle species and examples of species names