Common Grackle

The Common Grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, is a large member of the Icteridae family with a large, crow-like beak. The scientific name, Quiscalus quiscula, means "who is ever shrewd." The "quis" refers to "who," "calus" means "shrewd," and "cula" means ever. The birds are very intelligent, as their scientific name implies. They can sense danger very far away, and will fly until they feel safe. The first time I heard them call, I thought they were ducks. The first photo shows the teal iridescence of the head, and the second photo shows the same iridescence in another light, making the black body appear purple, and black. The Common Grackle has stunning yellow eyes which give it an eerie look.