The bird you are describing, black with a striking iridescent blue head, is most likely the Common Grackle.
The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a familiar medium-sized songbird found across much of North America. Its distinctive appearance, particularly the highly reflective plumage on its head, makes it easily recognizable.
Distinctive Features of the Common Grackle
Common Grackles are characterized by their sleek, dark appearance and unique iridescence.
- Plumage: While the body is predominantly glossy black, the head and neck feathers exhibit a stunning metallic sheen. Depending on the light, this iridescence can shimmer with vibrant blues, purples, and greens, giving the impression of a "shiny blue head." The rest of their body often shows bronze or purplish reflections.
- Eyes: They possess bright, piercing yellow eyes that stand out against their dark feathers.
- Tail: Common Grackles have a long, keel-shaped tail that is noticeably longer in males.
- Size: They are larger than a robin but smaller than a crow, typically ranging from 11 to 13 inches in length.
Scientific Classification
The Common Grackle's scientific classification is as follows:
| Classification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Quiscalus quiscula |
| Binomial Name | Quiscalus quiscula (Linnaeus, 1758) |
Habitat and Range
Common Grackles are highly adaptable birds found in a wide variety of habitats. Their approximate range covers much of North America, where they can be found in different capacities:
- Breeding Range: During the breeding season, they are widespread across the eastern and central parts of the continent.
- Year-round Range: In some milder regions, particularly in the southeastern United States, Common Grackles are present throughout the entire year.
- Wintering Range: Many northern populations migrate south for the winter, extending their range into the southern United States and parts of Mexico.
They commonly frequent open woodlands, suburban parks, agricultural fields, lawns, and even urban environments, often seen foraging in large groups.
Behavior and Diet
Common Grackles are intelligent and opportunistic feeders.
- Diet: Their diet is incredibly varied, consisting of insects, spiders, worms, small fish, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, and even human refuse. They are known to raid bird feeders for seeds and will readily forage for discarded food in developed areas.
- Social Behavior: They are highly social birds, especially outside the breeding season, forming large flocks that can number in the thousands. These flocks are often seen roosting together in trees or foraging in fields.
- Vocalizations: They have a distinctive, harsh, and often unmusical call, described as a "rusty gate" sound, along with various chirps and whistles.
Understanding the Common Grackle's characteristics helps appreciate this common yet striking bird with its mesmerizing iridescent head.
