Boat-tailed Grackle

Harsh, burry jeeb-jeeb phrases mix with a few other odd squeaks and clicks. It is clunky, bold, and unmistakably grackle-like.

A coastal specialist of the southeastern United States. Many stay year-round, while birds from the northern edge of the range may shift south in winter.

Look for them in salt marshes, mangroves, tidal creeks, beaches, marinas, and coastal towns. They love open, wet places near the shore and are perfectly happy around people.

Spring is pure showtime, with males puffing up, lifting that long tail, and pouring out squeaky songs. In fall and winter, they often gather in noisy flocks and head to communal roosts.

This big, swaggering blackbird rules the marsh edge. Males gleam purple-black and flash a long, boat-shaped tail; females are much smaller and warm brown, with a softer, buffy look. Around docks, reeds, and parking lots, they are bold, noisy, and hard to miss.