"The male common grackle appears entirely black at a distance or in poor light, but it glows with a rainbow spectrum of iridescent color in the sunshine. The head is glossed with purple; the body, shimmering bronze ... It resides year-round in the northern and eastern portion of Texas ... In winter, however, grackles assemble in huge flocks that descend on the state and roam farther west and south as well."

Kaufman (328) notes "Long tail with 'crease' down the middle, whitish-yellow eyes, strong bill. Two forms: on widespread 'Bronzed Grackle,' bronze body contrasts with blue-black head: 'Purple Grackle' of southeast had purple and green gloss, less contrast."

Photo taken with a Nikon D80 using a Nikon 300mm f/2.8 lens.

March 3, 2007.