Grackles are a type of blackbird found throughout North America. They are often considered pests, as they congregate in large flocks and can damage crops and spread disease. However, grackles play an important role in the ecosystem and some people enjoy feeding them. So, should you feed grackles or not? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to provide food for these birds.
Quick Facts About Grackles
- There are several species of grackle, including the Common Grackle, Boat-tailed Grackle, Great-tailed Grackle, and others.
- Grackles are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods including insects, grains, seeds, fruits, eggs, small vertebrates, and even garbage.
- They live in a wide range of habitats from forests to farmlands, parks, and urban areas.
- Grackles form large flocks, especially in fall and winter months.
- They are considered an intelligent bird species known for innovative foraging behaviors.
Pros of Feeding Grackles
Enjoyment of Backyard Birds
Many people enjoy seeing grackles and other birds in their backyard and want to attract them by providing food. Watching their behaviors and interactions can be entertaining and educational. Feeding grackles promotes wildlife appreciation.
Supplemental Food Source
In harsh weather when natural food sources are scarce, providing feed can help sustain grackle populations. This supplemental feeding may improve overwinter survival rates. Offering fresh water is also beneficial.
Building Birding Skills
Learning to identify and observe grackles that come to your feeder helps bird watching skills. Noticing key field marks, behaviors, flight patterns, and vocalizations are good practice.
Pros | Description |
---|---|
Enjoyment of Backyard Birds | Watching grackles can be entertaining and educational. |
Supplemental Food Source | Feeding provides support during harsh conditions. |
Building Birding Skills | Observing grackles improves bird identification abilities. |
Cons of Feeding Grackles
Messiness
Grackles have a tendency to scatter seed and debris around feeders. Their large flocks can quickly make a mess of your yard. Their droppings can also dirty patio furniture, cars, and other areas.
Aggressive Behavior
Grackles are bold birds that may bully and chase away other backyard birds from feeders. Their aggressive behaviors disrupt other delicate species.
Spread of Disease
Feeders that are not cleaned regularly can spread diseases between birds due to contamination. Salmonella and avian influenza are risks associated with overcrowded bird feeders.
Attracting Unwanted Wildlife
In addition to grackles, offering bird feed may attract less desirable animals like rats, mice, squirrels, and raccoons. These pesky mammals cause issues around homes.
Cons | Description |
---|---|
Messiness | Grackles scatter debris and droppings. |
Aggressive Behavior | Grackles bully other backyard birds. |
Spread of Disease | Dirty feeders can spread avian illnesses. |
Attracting Unwanted Wildlife | Feed may attract pests like rats and raccoons. |
Tips for Feeding Grackles
Feeder Placement
Locate feeders in open areas away from bushes or trees where grackles can perch and guard the feeder. Putting feeders near windows allows you to observe the birds.
Limit Food
Only put out small amounts of feed at a time. This prevents huge buildups of waste feed that sits uneaten. Start with modest offerings and increase gradually.
Clean Feeders
Wash feeders regularly with a 10% bleach solution to prevent dangerous mold and bacteria growth. Rake or sweep away accumulated hulls and shells.
Use Feeder Designs that Deter Grackles
Choose feeders with weight-sensitive perches, cages, or tubes that limit access for large grackles but allow smaller songbirds. Avoid tray feeders.
Offer Food Grackles Don’t Like
Try more desirable feeds like nyjer thistle, suet, or safflower which grackles tend to avoid. Black oil sunflower attracts grackles.
Scare Devices
Use deterrents like flashing lights, aluminum pans that clang, or water sprayers when grackles become a nuisance. Relocate feeders periodically.
Tips | Description |
---|---|
Feeder Placement | Locate feeders in open areas away from perches. |
Limit Food | Only put out small amounts of feed. |
Clean Feeders | Disinfect feeders regularly. |
Use Selective Feeders | Choose feeders that limit grackle access. |
Offer Less Preferred Foods | Try nyjer, suet, or safflower. |
Scare Devices | Use deterrents to discourage grackles. |
Conclusion
There are good reasons both for and against feeding grackles. If you want to enjoy watching them and provide some supplemental food, go for it! But take steps to minimize mess, disease transmission, and aggression towards other backyard birds. Follow tips like careful feeder placement, limiting amounts, and deterrent devices. Avoid cheap mixes with fillers like milo that attract grackles. With some effort, you can strike a balance that allows you to enjoy grackles without major drawbacks. But if grackles become too problematic, discontinuing feeding is an option. Overall, getting to observe and connect with these clever birds can be rewarding if done responsibly.