🔍 Great-Tailed Grackle | Quiscalus mexicanus 🐦⬛
📍 Seen in Alajuela, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
💬 In Mesoamerican cultures, grackles (zanates) were considered messengers or tricksters — symbols of cleverness and adaptability. In some regions, their song is said to announce rain or visitors.
Also Known as:
Mexican Grackle, Common Grackle, Blackbird of the South, Zárate, Tordo, Bird of Mischief
Size:
Weight: 200 – 250 g (males) / 90 – 120 g (females)
Length: 40 – 46 cm (males) / 34 – 38 cm (females)
Wingspan: 50 – 58 cm (males) / 41 – 46 cm (females)
Coloration:
Males: Glossy black with iridescent blue or purple sheen, especially on the head and upperparts; bright yellow eyes.
Females: Brownish with a slightly lighter belly, less glossy; yellow eyes.
Life Span
8 – 12 years
The Cam Traveler 