Great-Tailed Grackle Overview
The great-tailed grackle is a large, noisy bird with a long tail and bold presence. Adult males can grow up to about 17 inches long, with a tail almost as long as the body. Their feathers are black with a violet-blue sheen, especially when sunlight hits them.
Females are smaller, usually up to about 13 inches long, and look more brownish-black. They have a paler brown belly and throat, making them less glossy than the males but still easy to recognize by shape and behavior.
Habitat and Behavior
Great-tailed grackles live in open countryside with scattered trees and nearby water. They can also show up in pastures, agricultural areas, urban edges and suburban spaces. Their loud calls and confident movements make them hard to ignore.
In Hawaii's bird guide, this species fits with other introduced and open-country birds such as the common myna, cattle egret and Gambel's quail. The long tail is the easiest clue: once you notice it, this bird stands out fast.
