Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Male Caribbean Grackle by Val Lee

I enjoyed the lovely small Blackbirds of Barbados (Quiscalus lugubris). They were amusing to look upon and observe.  They would visit our balcony where we set out food for the various winged life—something we enjoy when traveling the islands. This is where I captured this guy through my looking lens. These Caribbean Grackles do not own that plain and common appearance that we associate with blackbirds. This flyer appears business-like with its strong pronounced beak and its intelligent bright golden eyes. The male Grackle’s stance makes it easy spotting for us bird enthusiasts.

The citizens of Barbados should appreciate this black squawking beauty, as it is an asset in keeping insect pests controlled. Critters perform their ordained part. And, yes, mankind attempts to perform his part. God declared from the beginning of time that man be His grounds keeper, overseeing the birds in the heavens, the fish of the sea and all which roams on the earth; Genesis 1:26. Quite the task for little man. Where would he be if God simply formed the earth and departed? Our sphere would be out of breathless control without His incessant maintenance.

This swarthy avis can become quite tame and bold, even entering restaurants to seek leftovers. He is not a scaredy-cat when it comes to his sought out territory. These troopers will also form day groups, and if necessary, attack potential predators, such as dogs, mongooses, and even humans. When night covers Caribbean lands, it roosts colonially.

It is a resident breeder in the Lesser Antilles and northern South America, east of the Andes, from Colombia east to Venezuela and northeastern Brazil. This bird exposes lengthy wedge-shaped tail wings, which adds to its appealing appearance. However, the Carib’s tail feathers is shorter than the common Grackle.

When the Grackle bird is in flight, its wingspan measures up to 18 inches. It weighs a mere 2 ½ to 5 ounces when mature. It’s length is 10.3 inches. A female Grackle is slightly smaller than the male and displays duller feathers. Young males are shorter tailed than adult males and display some brown in their pinions. Young females are very similar to the adult females.

This Blackbird is proud of his God-blessed elegant form and splendid plumage. This handsome fellow will alight on the topmost branch of a towering timber, drooping his wings and tail. He then proudly swells his breast—glittering in the bright rays of the dangling sun, enlightening all the variations of his black velvet, silken plumes.  He then, as if on queue, pours forth his loud (though not always agreeable to our ears) serenade. He eyes his rivals as they pass, pursuing them with ardent courage. He then returns to his lofty station and pours forth a victory anthem.

Being colonial breeders, mated pairs travel with fellow couples to areas previously known to them and in the greatest harmony construct their manors. They will refurbish former homes, rendering them fit for their new bundles of blessings. This encompasses creating several deep, lined cup nests often built in one tree.  Two to four whitish eggs are laid (Disagreeable male Grackles are known to destroy the eggs of other Grackles—terrible!). Incubation takes 12 days, with a further 14 to fledge.

The males are not of the committed sort and soon take flight, leaving mates and offspring to fend on their own. Male Grackles seem to form their own clubs and take to the sky for fun. These males seem very far from understanding faithful love, protection and union. They are not to be imitated by humans. Some of God’s creatures can teach profitable lessons, but this seems not to be so with the male Grackle. They are a selfish lot.

God’s Word commands Christians to be compassionate and sacrificial, not selfish. Jesus Christ moved in compassionate sacrificial love when He walked upon our earth. 1 Peter 3:8 commands us to have compassion for one another, to love in sensitivity, and be courteous—using gracious manners. May we always be mindful of these things, and not emulate the male pesty Grackle.

Letter to the Bird Enthusiast!

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