In the right light, this common grackle, often called a "black" bird is a rainbow of iridescence. BILL DANIELSON / For the Recorder Sign up for the Gazette's morning newsletter and get essential news ...

I’ve been seeing a lot of common grackles lately, so now is probably a good time to feature the species. But let me first address an error from last week. I ...

Last week, I wrote about the red-winged blackbird, one of the first migratory species to arrive in our area in the spring, characterizing their great flocks as the vanguard of an approaching army, ...

When we think about signs of spring in New England, what usually comes to mind? Flocks of robins, red-winged blackbirds staking out territory in the marsh, vernal pools and peepers (they’ve been ...

What Does a Common Grackle Look Like? At a glance, many birders might confuse a common grackle for other black birds, including European starlings, red-winged blackbirds or American crows. Look closer ...