Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
ICTERIDAE Members: Common Grackle 536
General Comments
One of the more abundant breeding birds in North America is the Common Grackle, even though it does not nest in the far Western states. It is found across North Carolina at all seasons, though like many blackbirds it is scarce in the mountains in winter. Roosting counts of perhaps 1/2-million birds have been seen in the eastern part of the state. Grackles nest in small colonies in pine trees or extremely dense stands of broadleaf evergreen trees (typically exotic species), often in cities and towns or in rows of trees in open areas. They feed on the ground at a variety of lawns, roadsides, fields, and croplands. At other seasons, they feed in huge flocks with other blackbirds, and European Starlings, in croplands and other grassy areas; however, they roost in swamps and dense forests.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5B,S5N
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Very common in summer, and abundant (at least locally) in winter, over the province. However, along the coastal islands, much less numerous, though can be common in suitable habitat, at all seasons. Peak counts:
Piedmont
Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Very common in summer; common to at times abundant in winter in the eastern and southern portions, and locally common elsewhere in winter. Peak counts:
Mountain
Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common to very common at low elevations, and fairly common to about 4,000 feet; scarce higher. In winter, uncommon in early winter in lower elevations, but rare to uncommon in midwinter and perhaps not a regular winter resident; scarce at higher elevations in winter, where not regular. Peak counts:
Finding Tips
None needed.