Nicaraguan Grackle

Overview

The Nicaraguan grackle (Quiscalus nicaraguensis) is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the New World blackbird family. It is found exclusively in Nicaragua and the northernmost parts of Costa Rica, where it is classified as Least Concern.

Identification

• Adult males are entirely black with an iridescent gloss that is violet on the belly and tail, violet-green on the head, back, and breast, and blue-green on the wings.
• Females are brown above with a pale supercilium, dark lores, and buff underparts that are darkest on the upper breast.
• Males possess a V-shaped tail that rises from the centre to the outer feathers, while females have a more standard tail shape.
• The species produces a variety of calls, including a frequent nasal call, whistling notes, and a sharp rising whine.

Habitat

Restricted to western Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica, the species mainly occurs near Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. It nests only in marshland but forages in scrubland, wet pastures, and along lake shores and riverbanks, making local movements in response to seasonal changes and water levels.

Diet

The bird feeds in small groups by foraging on the ground for seeds and insects. It often turns over stones or debris to find food underneath and is frequently seen foraging on or around cattle.

Did you know?

Although it nests exclusively in marshland, the species has expanded its range slightly into pastures and forested areas due to human activity, and it may be a fairly recent arrival in Costa Rica.