Texas Grackles

Quiscalus mexicanus

Since the 1960s, the Great-Tailed Grackle has expanded its range over most of the southwest USA. Earlier in the 1900s their range barely reached north of Mexico. Though it breeds slightly north, it is a year round resident in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. Originally from South and Central America, early Aztecs brought them north as they expanded their civilization in the 15th century. During the 20th century these birds expanded their range north into the USA on their own by following agricultural corridors.

This bold and brash bird makes its presence known with a variety of loud calls. During my Texas expedition in spring of 2020 I once parked under a tree that at day’s end filled with grackles. The din of the colony was so relentless I had to move my RV. They never shut up!

This gallery is limited to the birds I photographed in Texas. To see images of the birds I’ve met in California and Arizona, visit the <Species Gallery>.