Rusty Blackbird vs Boat-tailed Grackle

In short

The Rusty Blackbird and Boat-tailed Grackle can be distinguished by size and habitat preferences. The Rusty Blackbird is smaller and prefers northern wetland areas, while the larger Boat-tailed Grackle is found along coastal areas with its distinctive long tail and iridescent plumage.

Identification tips

• Size and Tail: Look for the larger size and long tail of the Boat-tailed Grackle.
• Plumage: Note the iridescent plumage of male Boat-tailed Grackles and the rust-colored edgings on Rusty Blackbirds in fall and winter.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Rusty Blackbirds are in northern wetlands, while Boat-tailed Grackles are coastal.
• Female Plumage: Female Boat-tailed Grackles are cinnamon-colored, unlike the darker Rusty Blackbird females.

Size

The Boat-tailed Grackle is significantly larger, with males being pigeon-sized, whereas the Rusty Blackbird is smaller and more compact.

Plumage

Male Boat-tailed Grackles have iridescent blue-green plumage and long tails, while Rusty Blackbirds show rust-colored edgings on their upperbody feathers in fall and winter. Female Boat-tailed Grackles are cinnamon-colored, contrasting with the more uniformly dark Rusty Blackbird.

Behaviour

Rusty Blackbirds are often solitary or in small groups, feeding in wetlands, while Boat-tailed Grackles are more social, often found in large colonies, especially during breeding.

Habitat

Rusty Blackbirds breed in northern wet forests and wetlands, while Boat-tailed Grackles are typically found along the coasts of eastern North America, often near human settlements.

Voice

Vocalizations are not detailed in the sources, but Boat-tailed Grackles are known for their loud calls, which may help maintain reproductive isolation from similar species.