Subspecies: fortirostris, Local Name: Black Bird aka Barbados Grackle,
Length: 9.5" (24 cm), Description: black plumage, yellow iris, long wedge-shaped tail, black feet. Males: black with a violet iridescence, Females: black like the males but not as glossy, not as iridescence, Juvenile: like females but the iris is not as golden or yellow as adult.
Habitat: open fields, pastures, low grassy areas, agricultural Areas
Status: Very common, island-wide;
Similar Species: Male Shiny-cowbird - separated by the general shape of the bird, lacks a long tail and golden iris.
Comments: The local endemic subspecies fortirostris, Barbados Grackle, differs from other Caribbean subspecies in that both the males and females are almost similar. It is the main host for the brood parasite Shiny Cowbird.
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| Carib Grackles have a yellow iris |
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| Carib Grackle male is black with a violet iridescence |
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| Female Carib Grackles of subspecies fortirostris are also black like the males but not as glossy |
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| Juvenile Carib Grackle being fed by a parent, note the eyes are not as yellow as adults |
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