Birding/grackles behavior

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Expert: - 2/10/2011


Question
Why do grackles seem to converge on one location, i.e. an intersection, consistently, yet a block away either direction, you never find them?

Rhonda

Answer
Grackles, and other blackbirds, as well as crows, swallows and other birds, flock together in the winter for safety and food finding and the flock develops in a particular area at an approximate time, usually in the evening. They find each other by flocking to a mutual place. Knowing the area makes them feel safer as well.

Birding

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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