PURPLE GRACKLE. 



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 indi- 

 viduals 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. Eastern U. S., breeding north to Mass. 



Sub-species. 511 a. Florida Grackle (aglaeus), slight- 

 ly smaller. 511b. Bronzed Grackle (aeneus), 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 iriches. 



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- 

 crourus), found in Texas, is still larger. 



