smittyone@cox.net Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 This is an adult male and an immature Grackle seen in NW Missouri last week. Although Common Grackle are by far the most prominent type seen in this area, I've seen (verified) Great-tailed here before too. Perhaps it's just the angle, but the tail on the adult seems extra long, leading me to think it's perhaps a Great-tailed one. Opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benjamin Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 Both are Common Grackles. Great-tailed Grackles have much longer tails than your birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mindy Smith Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 Agree, and lovely photos. It helps me to look for where the primaries land in relationship to the base of the tail and whether the tail looks flat, like for these birds, or more bowed and V-shaped. Common's also look a little chunkier to me (and more attractive if one can say that about a grackle) but I am not sure if this is generally true. Am attaching a photo that I have of a great-tail male for comparison. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aveschapinas Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 I agree; in addition to what's mentioned above the bill is too short and thick for a Great-Tailed, and the irridescence tends too much to green/bronze. I think Great-Tailed Grackles are very attractive. Totally a separate issue from their behavior and habits. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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