In fall, grackles gather into large flocks before migration at communal roosts, some of which can be impressively massive (as many as one million birds!). Most grackles migrate a short distance south to pass the winter, but some few opt to brave the storms each year, often mixed with flocks of other blackbirds.

Do common grackles migrate?

Common Grackles are highly social, migrating, wintering, and roosting in large flocks, often mixed with other species including the Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, and European Starling. Wintering flocks may be especially large, sometimes numbering over a million birds!

Do grackles leave in the winter?

The common grackle is a native Maine breeding species, and it's one hardy bird. Grackles are among the last birds to leave Maine in autumn, and the first to arrive in spring. Some don't leave at all.