Documentation of
Common Grackle
2005-168
Observer Information
Reporter:
Nicholas Komar
1507 Wildwood Court,
FORT COLLINS,
CO 80521-4028
E-mail:
quetzal65@comcast.net
Other Observers:
Oliver Komar; Oliver Komar
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Common Grackle
First Date/Time:
2/12/2005
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
5 min
County:
Larimer
Specific Location:
north side of West 57th Street about 1/4 mile west of Highway 287
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
Residential neighborhood with scattered large deciduous trees
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Nikon Action 7x35 binoculars, Kowa Zoom 15-60 power telescope
Distance:
ranged from 30-50 meters, estimated
Light:
Excellent light from the southwest. I observed from the south.
Description of the Bird
By silhouette, a blackbird with a moderately long tail (about the length of the body) and a moderately long bill (not more than the width of the head).
Through a telescope, the black head had an irridescent purple sheen, and a yellow eye. The body had a bronze sheen.
Behaviors: The bird perched atop a deciduous tree, then flew to another treetop, then flew down to an area where a bird feeder was located.
Call: Call- "chuck"
Plumage: Adult
Similar Species Discussion
Tail too long for the following blackbirds: Brewer's, Rusty, Red-winged, and all cowbird species. Tail and overall size too small for Great-tailed Grackle. Blackish plumage ruled out female Great-tailed Grackle. Keel-shaped tail rules out non-grackles. Length of tail and body and coloration of irridescence matched the expected grackle species for Colorado (the "Bronzed Grackle") and ruled out other North American grackle taxa such as "Purple Grackle", Boat-tailed Grackle, Greater Antillean Grackle and Carib Grackle.
Previous Experience
Extensive experience with North American grackles through birdwatching activities 1972-present.
Materials Available
Photographer: Nicholas Komar
Photos |
75_vgrt1.jpg
Date Documentation Submitted
2/14/2005 11:25:00 AM
Click left or right edges of photos to move through all; click outside image to close
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