Is Great-tailed Grackle the correct ID? At the time I gave the photo the label I thought the range of the Boat-tailed Grackle did not extend to Louisiana. Looking at a different field guide, I see that it does. The birds are very similar and I don't know the distinguishing characteristics.
Thanks.
I think its a tough call from just one photo. These birds are very similar, and I think they were considered a single species sometime before the 1970's when I got started.
Grabbing the closest field guide to my computer (Second Edition National Geographic):
In the narrow zone of ranged overlap, Boat-taileds are distinguished from Great-tailed Grackles by their duller yellow or brown eyes, smaller overall size, and more rounded crowns.
Calls: Boat-tailed includes a quiet chuck while Great-tailed includes a loud clack note.
The species were only split in 1957; but I'm inclined to call this a Boat-tailed. It "feels" smaller, doesn't have a bright yellow eye, and the tail seems shorter. Shorter bill, too, although I'm not sure that's definitive. I'd also guess a second year bird in Alternate I plumage. I'll be interested in hearing what others think.
Discussion
3 repliesThanks.
Grabbing the closest field guide to my computer (Second Edition National Geographic):
Calls: Boat-tailed includes a quiet chuck while Great-tailed includes a loud clack note.
Nice shot, too.