Do Grackles Migrate?

There are three species of grouper in North America — the common grouper, the poop grouper, and the bigtail grouper. Common freckles (Quiscalus quiscula) is the most widespread and mobile of the species, occurring in the northernmost and westernmost regions. It is found throughout the United States (east of the Rocky Mountains) and Canada (Nova Scotia to Alberta). So let’s get started, will grackles migrate?

Many common groupers do migrate, which is why they are the most mobile. They typically spend the summer breeding season in the north before migrating south for the winter. However, these birds are considered short-distance migratory birds. They do not travel far, and some do not migrate at all.

Grackles living in the central and farther south of the United States are permanent residents of their territories. Any ideas on why this is happening? Read on to learn more about grack migration habits!

In fact, most Common Grackles do migrate

When will Grackles migrate?

Crickets typically start their spring migration back to their northern breeding grounds in February and March – a fairly early start for most birds. Southern migration, on the other hand, occurs in late fall and usually peaks around October or November.

These migration patterns are consistent with common grouper living in northern regions of the species’ range. In warmer climates, groupers tend to live year-round.

Why did Grackles migrate?

When groupers migrate, it is usually to avoid overwintering in colder climates where food sources are scarce.

As you probably know, the Canadian territories and their northernmost point within the United States can have long, harsh winters. Crickets rely primarily on seeds for winter food, but even those can be hard to come by when everything is covered in inches or feet of snow.

To avoid the long winter and the risk of starvation, the birds will migrate south. However, they usually don’t need to travel long distances.

Gluck perched on a wooden fence in summer

How far did Grackles migrate?

How far groupers migrate depends on how far north their summer breeding grounds extend. Still, the migratory flight is exceptionally short compared to other species.

Groupers that summer on Canadian soil may migrate about 600 miles to warmer climates in the central or southeastern United States. On the other hand, groupers in the Northeast and lower Midwest may only be able to move about 200 miles south.

Will Grackles migrate in groups?

Crickets migrate in flocks. They are very social birds and usually spend most of their time in groups (outside of breeding season).

These birds roost and forage in large flocks, often consisting of more than one species. European starlings, red-winged blackbirds and brown-headed bullbirds are often mixed together. In winter, these groups can number in the thousands.

A small group of Grackles during migration

Will all Grackles migrate?

Not all grackles are migrated. The climate in the southern and central United States is temperate enough that groupers can stay year-round, using these areas for breeding and overwintering.

Even the spotted sandpiper, which does fly south for the winter in Canada and the northern United States, is considered a short-distance migrant. They never stray too far from their breeding grounds.

What do Grackles do in winter?

In winter, grackles spend most of their time foraging in communal flocks. The birds will visit farmlands, feedlots and suburbs to pick seeds or feed for livestock. They may also rummage through your trash. Bird feeders also offer light meals during the colder months.

These flocks usually consist of several different species of blackbirds. These birds roost together at night and usually remain in the same flock until the breeding season approaches.

Freckles perched on a branch

How do Grackles survive the winter?

Grackles are great for surviving the winter. The bird’s main defense is to migrate south, away from the colder northern parts of its range. However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely immune to winter weather.

Throughout the cold season, groupers forage for seeds throughout the day to maintain energy levels, which in turn helps them stay warm. When natural food resources are scarce, these birds are likely to head to the backyard to feed. If your yard isn’t covered in deep snow, they might even be scouring the ground for insects or fallen seeds.

Traveling and roosting in large groups also helps grackles survive the winter. Many people are safe. Habitat is usually in large trees, offering some protection from the elements.

A flock of Grackles next to a bird feeder in the backyard in winter

Grackle Migration FAQ

Are the Grackles leaving for the summer?

Groupers that migrate south in winter will leave in summer to return to their breeding grounds. However, many grackles live year-round in the central and southeastern United States.

Will the Grackles go south for the winter?

Some grackles do move south in winter. Those that spend the summer breeding season in the northern and northwestern parts of their range typically migrate south to the warmer climates of the central and southeastern United States. Groupers already living in these warmer climates do not migrate.

Close-up of a Common Freckle (Quiscalus quiscula) on the ground

Will the Grackles move to Texas?

Common grackles occasionally migrate to Texas. East Texas also has permanent populations of this species. On the other hand, the great-tailed tit (another subspecies of this bird) is a year-round native to the southern half of Texas.

Will the Grackles migrate from Michigan?

The common grouper, the only grouper subspecies found in the Great Lakes region, will migrate from northern Michigan to the southern border or out of state. That’s why grackles are called short-distance migrants. They usually don’t need to travel very far between breeding and wintering grounds.

What types of grouper are there in North America?

There are three species of grackles in North America – the common, the stern, and the big-tail. The common grouper is the most widespread and mobile of the species, found in most of the United States – east of the Rocky Mountains – and Canada. The poop grouper is found only on the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. The Great-tailed grackle inhabits the Southwest and Mexico.