Photo ©
Jerry Oldenettel
Greater Antillean Grackle
Regional Species
As its name suggests, the Greater Antillean Grackle is almost confined to the Greater Antilles, where it occurs on all four main islands, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, but the species is also found on the Caymans. Seven subspecies are generally recognized across this range, some of them restricted to small islands, and they typically differ in the extent and color of the glossy tones to the plumage.
Range
Habitat
Food
Forages mainly on the ground, seeking out seeds and insects, but also taking a wide variety of other prey, including small lizards and even human scraps
Behavior
These are noisy, bold birds, confident around Man, and very much ‘at home’ in heavily disturbed habitats. Greater Antillean Grackles sometimes form large roosts.
Nesting
Frequently nests in colonies on trees
Appearance
Size and Shape
Unusual keel-shaped tail, which is slightly less developed in the female, and which one almost expects the bird to use as a ‘rudder’ in flight.
Color Pattern
Overall, the species appears glossy black with almost startlingly yellow eyes.