Great-tailed Grackle -- South Dakota Birds

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

The Great-tailed Grackle is a recent addition to the list of South Dakota birds, as this former specialty of the Southwestern U.S. has been steadily expanding in numbers and range over the last few decades.  Gregarious birds, very large and noisy flocks can sometimes be found, especially in their population strongholds further south and west.  

Habitat: Can be found in a variety of open to semi-open habitats, including farmland, marshes and wetlands, brushy forest edges and hedgerows, and suburban areas.

Diet: Omnivorous.  Food items may include any of the following:  Insects, spiders, small fish, frogs, tadpoles, snails, crayfish, lizards, small snakes, eggs and young birds, waste grain, seeds, fruits, berries, and nuts.

Nesting: May and June

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map unavailable, as the species only recently started to nest in the state.

Song: A variety of loud, harsh noises.

Migrations: Those at the northern part of its range will migrate south in the fall.  However, as the species expands its range to the north, it is now over-wintering in places it never used to winter.

Feeders: Will attend feeders for various seeds and nuts.

Similar Species: Boat-tailed Grackle, Common Grackle

Status: Expanding in range and numbers.

South Dakota "Hotspot": Atkins Slough, just west of Tea in Lincoln County, has been a reliable location to find these guys for the last several summers.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Great-tailed Grackle

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Great-tailed Grackle"

3) E-nature.com: Great-tailed Grackle

Photo Information: April 17th, 2005 -- Wetland near Tea -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Great-tailed Grackle photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08