Grackles
- Scientific Name
- Quiscalus quiscula
- Also Known As
- Crow Blackbird, Maize Thief
- Range
- All of Florida
- Diet
- Insects, Fish, Frogs, Eggs, Grains, Fruit
- Life Expectancy
- 5 - 12 Years
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Grackles in Central Florida
The common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a ubiquitous bird found throughout central Florida. Often considered a nuisance, grackles are highly adaptable and thrive in urban and suburban environments.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed identification tips, biology facts, and control methods for grackles in central Florida. Read on to learn grackle habits, reproduction, diet, health risks, signs of infestation, and professional mitigation options if you have an overabundance on your property.
Subspecies of Grackle in the Area

Photo 71703156 © Sequoia Janirella Wrens, CC BY-NC
The purple grackle is a unique subspecies of grackle found throughout Florida. Genetic evidence shows purple grackles evolved separately from other grackle populations. Their feathers have a distinctive iridescent purple, bronze and green sheen compared to the black plumage of other grackles.
Purple grackles are also smaller, around 11 inches long. Their smaller size and colorful feathers are likely adaptations for their habitat in tropical hardwood hammocks and mangroves.
Loss of these habitats has greatly reduced their range. Calling them a distinct subspecies stresses the need for habitat protection. Preserving remnant hammocks and mangroves is essential for the purple grackle’s survival.

Photo 27156801 © rainbowkitten, CC BY-NC
The bronzed grackle is a unique subspecies found along Florida’s Gulf coast. Genetic evidence indicates bronzed grackles evolved separately. Their feathers have a distinctive bronzy-purple metallic sheen unlike other subspecies.
Bronzed grackles are also smaller, around 12 inches long. Their size and coloration are likely adaptations for coastal habitats like mangroves.
Loss of coastal wetlands has greatly reduced their limited range. Calling them a distinct subspecies emphasizes the need for habitat protection. Preserving remaining mangroves and marshes is critical for the bronzed grackle’s survival.

Photo 196441026 © JeffreyGammon, CC BY-NC
The Florida grackle is a unique subspecies found across Florida. Genetic evidence shows Florida grackles diverged from other populations long ago. They are larger than other subspecies, reaching 15 inches long.
Their size is an adaptation for more open habitats like pastures and parks versus forest. Florida grackles also have pale yellow eyes compared to white in other subspecies.
Habitat loss has reduced their range, but they remain common compared to rare coastal relatives. Calling them a distinct subspecies stresses the need to preserve their open habitats. Protecting remnant prairies and wetlands is important for the Florida grackle’s future.