Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus
Flight call description Variable, with two basic types of flight calls. A dry, husky, typically rising "khek" (or "khrk" or "tek") and a low, hollow, popping "pwuk" (or "phewk" or "prk"). The latter call often has somewhat whiny and expressive, more pure-toned, variations.
Fig.1. December 30, 2001 (WRE).
"Khek" call from bird in flight.
Fig.2. Texas May 14, 2001 (WRE).
"Pwuk" call variation from by female in short flight.
Examples Diurnal
Similar species Most calls lower-pitched than other grackles or blackbirds and often with a distinctive hollow-sounding quality. See Boat-tailed and Common Grackles and Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Behavior Primarily a diurnal migrant. Gives flight call regularly while perched and in flight during the day. Not known to give flight call at night. "Pierh" call may be given primarily in the breeding season.