PURPLE GRACKLE. 
511. Qwiscalus 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. 
Nest.—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.—Hastern U. 8., breeding north to Mass. 
Sub-species.—5lla. Florida Grackle (agleusj, 
slightly smaller. 5llb. Bronzed Grackle (gneus, with 
a purple head and usually a brassy back. Eastern U. S., 
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. 8S. The Great-tailed Grackle (ma- 
crourus), found in Texas, is still larger. 
