View range map of Common Grackle here.

The Common Grackle is a large member of the blackbird family, which is very common throughout eastern and central North America. This highly adaptable species is found in many habitats with open areas and scattered trees, and is one of the most successful and widespread birds in North America. The beautiful iridescent plumage, keel shaped tail and yellow eye of the Common Grackle make this species a highly visible part of many suburban landscapes. The Common Grackle is a partial migrant, those in the northern part of the species range migrate south, while the more southerly birds are resident year round. During the breeding season, the Common Grackle feeds mostly on invertebrates but during the rest of the year it consumes large amounts of agricultural seeds, tree seeds and fruits. Corn is a particular favorite of this bird. The horny keel in the birds' mouth enables it to crack hard shells such as those of acorns. Common Grackles are also known to consume nestlings and eggs of other song birds, but this is not a large part of their diet. Pairs from as soon as they reach the breeding grounds. The female constructs a cup shaped nest of fine grasses, woody stems and other plant material. Nest sites are quite variable, although coniferous trees are preferred, and Common Grackles will nest in agricultural, wooded and residential areas, particularly near to water. This species is a colonial nester, however sometimes isolated nests may be found. The clutch size can vary from 1-7 eggs which the female incubates for approximately 13 days. Both parents feed the chicks a diet of insects and gradually introduce seeds as they get older. The female broods the chicks, and occasionally the male also does so. The chicks fledge after 15 days, and the parents continue to feed them until they are able to fly well. The Common Grackle is considered a pest species by the agriculture industry. The large populations form dense roosts in winter and feed heavily on grains. Roost sites may develop a fungus which can cause respiratory disease in humans, and this risk is often used to justify the destruction of the birds by spraying with surfactants. These chemicals destroy the waterproofing oils on the birds' feathers and the birds subsequently die from exposure. In fact, this fungus is only found at roost sites occupied for several years, and is not a common problem. The birds are most attracted by corn and changes in the timing of harvesting, or cultivation of crops such as oats and barley in fields close to roost sites can prevent this conflict of interests and stop the cruel deaths of millions of birds. Protect Common Grackles and other bird species by purchasing only organically produced foods which are grown without the use of chemicals pesticides. Buy local organic produce when possible, and best of all grow your own.

View range map of American Goldfinch here.

The American Goldfinch is common in second growth woodlands, suburban gardens, parks and old fields across North America. This species breeds across the northern and central United States and southern Canada. Northern populations migrate to the southern United States during winter. Large winter flocks are nomadic; roaming in search of a food supply. The American Goldfinch is common at back yard feeders during the winter months. The American Goldfinch is both sexually and seasonally dimorphic. In fall the males molt into drab winter plumage similar to that of the female. American Goldfinches feed entirely on seeds. This is thought to be the reason why Brown-headed Cowbird nestlings fail to survive in American Goldfinch nests. (The Brown-headed Cowbird parasitizes the nests of other song birds, laying its eggs in their nests and leaving the host to raise the chicks.) This gregarious species feeds in flocks at all times of the year. A wide assortment of annual seeds are eaten, and American Goldfinches particularly like thistle seeds. This preference has resulted in this species evolving an unusually lake nesting season for a temperate song bird. The birds do not begin nesting until July, in order to time the arrival of their chicks with the emergence of thistle seeds. The American Goldfinch nests in deciduous shrubs and second growth woodlands, often in loose colonies, which probably result from the local availability of food. The nest is built by the female in three stages. First she makes a base and attaches it to the tree or shrub with spider silk. Secondly she builds a cup of plant fibers around her body. Finally she adds a lining of soft down. The female incubates the 2-7 pale blue eggs for about 13 days. The male will feed the female during incubation and brooding of the chicks, and the female passes some of this food on to the chicks. The chicks fledge after about 12 days and the parents continue to care for them for about three weeks. The juveniles form into flocks and roam in search of food. These flocks may not migrate during their first winter, but remain in the northern part of the species range. The American Goldfinch does well in areas of human development. Careful suburban landscaping can provide abundant food for this species. American Goldfinches have been affected by the eye disease Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis which was first observed in House Finches in 1994. Help scientists track the spread of this disease by observing birds at back yard feeders and reporting your observations to the House Finch Disease Survey. Help the American Goldfinch and all other back yard birds by participating in Project FeederWatch, Celebrate Urban Birds and The Great Backyard Bird Count.

• Subfamily Drepanidinae- Hawaiian Honeycreepers
• There are no flock members in this subfamily.

View range map of House Sparrow here.

The House Sparrow is an extremely successful species which has almost worldwide distribution. Native to Europe, north Africa, India, Arabia and Burma, the House Sparrow has been introduced in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. One hundred House Sparrows were released in 1881 and 1882 in New York, in 1871 and 1872 in San Francisco and in Salt Lake City in 1873 and 1874. These birds have since colonized North America as far north as Anchorage and southwards throughout the United States and through much of Central and South America. The House Sparrow thrives around human habitation, agricultural fields and urban and suburban residential areas. This cheerful little song bird is common in back yards and parks. House Sparrows eat mostly grain seeds which they forage for on the ground. They also eat insects during the breeding season. They readily visit back yard feeders, often in large flocks. A strict dominance hierarchy exists within House Sparrow populations. The male with the largest black bib throat patch is the most dominant. Females are streaked brown overall and have no black bib. Young males also lack the black bib, and all young have yellow oral flanges (markings on the sides of the mouth) which encourage the parents to feed them. House Sparrows may raise as many as four broods in one season. This versatile bird will nest in trees, shrubs, vines, crevices, buildings, nest boxes or the old nests of other species. Often House Sparrows will nest in boxes supplied for Bluebirds and are frequently killed as a result. This species is considered a pest by some due to its abundance and non native status. The nest is lined with soft plant materials and the typical clutch of 5 greenish/bluish speckled eggs are laid. Both parents incubate the eggs for approximately 9 days. The chicks are fed regurgitated insects by both parents until they fledge after about 14 days. The parents continue to feed the chicks for several more days, after which they care for themselves. House Sparrows were protected and fed in the late 1800s, but as they became more numerous attitudes changed. The species was well adapted for life in cities, and filled a niche that no native species filled. As they expanded their range, House Sparrows became the victims of campaigns to limit their population. The House Sparrow is exempt from the protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other laws which protect native bird species. Since changes in farming practices to monoculture crops, House Sparrow numbers have declined. Competition for nest boxes can be prevented by placing the nest boxes away from preferred House Sparrow habitat. House Sparrow numbers are useful environmental indicators. Help House Sparrows by participating in Project FeederWatch, Celebrate Urban Birds and The Great Backyard Bird Count.