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Monday, June 3, 2013

Bird of the Month: Great-tailed Grackle

Monday, June 3, 2013


The great-tailed grackle is Santee’s bird of the month for June.
We found this male foraging for food at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.

These fascinating birds have bright yellow eyes and tails that are nearly as long as their body. They are somewhat comical as they strut around in a princely manner.
National Geographic’s website says there are three subspecies of western great-tailed grackles in North America. The one typically found here in Southern California is the nelsoni subspecies.

Grackles are increasing their range and population because they are not as susceptible to habitat loss as other birds. They can adapt and thrive in land that is farmed and in urban areas with roads and shopping centers.

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