Quiscalus nicaraguensis
The Nicaraguan Grackle (Quiscalus nicaraguensis) is a striking passerine bird, predominantly found in the freshwater lowlands of Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica. Males are a glossy, iridescent black, often shimmering with purplish-blue and green hues, especially on the head and body, contrasting with their dark eyes, stout bill, and long, keel-shaped tail. They typically measure 27-33 cm (10.6-13 inches) in length and weigh 86-120 grams, with their impressive tail contributing significantly...
Primarily found in freshwater marshes, wetlands, lake shores, and flooded agricultural fields (e.g., rice paddies). It is restricted to low elevations, typically below 200 meters (650 feet).
Omnivorous, feeding mainly on insects, aquatic invertebrates (snails, crustaceans), small fish, tadpoles, lizards, seeds, and grains (especially rice and corn). They forage on the ground, in shallow water, and in vegetation.
Nicaraguan Grackles are diurnal birds, foraging actively throughout the day and often forming large, communal roosts at night, sometimes mixed with other icterids. They are highly opportunistic foragers, probing mud and shallow water for invertebrates with their strong bills, gleaning insects fro...
The Nicaraguan Grackle is a resident species primarily found in the lowland freshwater wetlands of western Nicaragua, particularly abundant around Lake Nicaragua, Lake Managua, and associated floodplains and river systems. Its range extends south into extreme northern Costa Rica, primarily within...
Least Concern
- It is one of the few bird species endemic almost entirely to Nicaragua, with only a small portion of its range extending into northern Costa Rica. - Unlike its close relatives, the Great-tailed and Boat-tailed Grackles, the Nicaraguan Grackle strongly prefers freshwater habitats and is rarely f...