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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Boat-tailed Grackle

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Name

Boat-tailed Grackle

Scientific Name

(Quiscalus major)

Why they are special:
  • A bold and noisy Florida native, famous for their loud, varied calls and striking size.

  • Males are iridescent and commanding, while females look strikingly different, often confusing new birders.

  • Common around wetlands and parking lots alike, they’re one of the most recognizable Florida birds.
Size and color:
  • A large blackbird, about 15–17 inches long with a wingspan of 15–20 inches.

  • Males: glossy black with a purplish-blue iridescence, long keel-shaped (boat-like) tail.

  • Females: much smaller, rich brown overall with lighter underparts, lacking the male’s long tail.
Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident throughout Florida’s wetlands and coastal areas, including Manatee County.
Habitat:
  • Found near marshes, wetlands, coastal areas, and human-altered habitats like golf courses and parking lots.

  • Often perch on cattails, reeds, or fences near water.
Diet:
  • Omnivorous—eat insects, grains, seeds, small fish, frogs, and even human scraps.

  • Opportunistic feeders often seen scavenging in open areas.
Behavior:
  • Highly social, often in noisy flocks.

  • Males display with dramatic tail flaring, puffed feathers, and loud calls to attract females.

  • Known for their wide range of squeaks, whistles, and rattles, sometimes imitating other birds.
Conservation notes:
  • Populations are strong and stable across Florida.

  • Adapt well to human presence, though dependent on wetlands for nesting.
Best time to see:
  • Year-round, especially near wetlands or anywhere people gather outdoors.
Fun Fact:
  • Male Boat-tailed Grackles can be twice the size of females, one of the largest size differences between sexes in any North American songbird.
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