PUBPLE GBACKLE. 



511. Quiscalus quiscula. 12 inches. 



Male with purple head and greenish back; female 

 brownish gray. All the Grackles are very similar in 

 appearance, the colors varying with different individuals 

 of the same species. Their habits are alike, too, and I 

 consider them one of the most destructive of our birds, 



Notes. — A harsh "tchack," and a squeaky song. 



West. — Of sticks and twigs, usually in pines in the 

 North and bushes in the South. Four eggs, pale bluish 

 gray with black scrawls (1.10 x .80). 



Range. — Eastern U. S., breeding north to Mass. 



Sub-species. — 511a. Florida Grackle (aglseus), 

 slightly smaller. 511b. Bronzed Grackle (seneus, with 

 a purple head and usually a brassy back. Eastern U. S.g 

 breeding north to Labrador and Manitoba. 



BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE. 



513. Megaquiscalus major. 15 inches. 

 Similar in color to the last but much larger, and hav- 

 ing the same habits. Eggs also larger (1.25 x .95). 

 Southeastern U. S. The Great-tailed Grackle (ma- 



crouruE). foisud in Texas, is stiU larger. 



