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White-crowned Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

Photo by Tukup
Published on Project Noah
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41.24, -95.93

Field Notes

Description:

This is a rarity to say the least. Grackles are normally medium sized (12"), completely black birds with a purple sheen to the head and neck. They have a dark bill and yellow eyes. This one also has a white crown on the front of it’s head. Some form of Leucism, I imagine, and very unusual. The pictures are of the same bird, the second 2 through window glass. Compare with a normal Common Grackle here: https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/1735676783

Habitat:

This bird was seen as part of a flock in our backyard in eastern Nebraska, USA (330 masl).

Notes:

The first time I saw this bird I assumed it had bird droppings on its head. That in itself would be unusual so I snapped a few pictures. Blowing them up on the computer I saw they were indeed white feathers. I have sent pictures of this bird to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission but haven’t heard anything back. I see pictures online of Grackles with various body parts that are white, but it is extremely rare.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

Rara indeed. I was a little disappointed when I found other examples on the internet, but still, I think it was pretty cool. Thanks Sukanya.
Great catch, Tukup...rara avis in the true sense.

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