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 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 \vith black scrawls (1.10 x .80). 



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



Sub-species. 51 la. Florida Grackle (aglseus), 

 slightly smaller. 51 Ib. Bronzed Grackle (seneus, with 

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

 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. f S. The Great-tailed Grackle (ma- 

 croums), found in Texas, is still larger- 



