Passerine Birds (<em>Passeriformes</em>)

Common Grackle – At the bird feeder Quiscalus quiscula April – Texas L=12.5” ...... WS=17” ....... WT=4 oz Order: Passeriformes (Passerine Birds) Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds, Orioles, Allies) The Common Grackle is large and conspicuous with a traditional range in the Eastern United States. It extreme flexibility in diet and nesting habits along with the clearing of forests which has increased nesting habitats has led to a surge in its population. It has also expanded its range into the Western United States in the last half century. This success has negative consequences as flocks of grackles are amongst the most significant agricultural pests. Similarly, Common Grackles will descend in great numbers and with great commotion on back-yard bird feeders driving all others off until. In poor light conditions the Common Grackle looks black but with sunlight a beautiful array of iridescent colors becomes apparent. It song, sung loudly and frequently is inharmonious to human ears but undoubtedly is music to their own.

Boat-tailed Grackle – Drinking Quiscalus major March – Texas L=14.5-16.5” ...... WS=17.5-23” ....... WT=4.2-8.0 oz......m>f Order: Passeriformes (Passerine Birds) Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds, Orioles, Allies)