Diet

• Highly omnivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, worms, snails, fish, frogs, lizards, small rodents, bird eggs, nestlings, seeds, grains, fruits, and human food scraps.

• Frequently forages in agricultural fields, lawns, beaches, garbage bins, and parking lots.

• Often follows livestock or farm machinery to catch disturbed insects and other prey.

Range

• Native from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to northwestern South America.

• Widespread throughout Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region, where it is an abundant year-round resident.

• Inhabits towns, cities, parks, agricultural land, wetlands, mangroves, beaches, woodland edges, and almost any open habitat near water or human activity.

• Its range has expanded dramatically northward during the past century.

Male / Female

• Male: Glossy black plumage with a striking blue, purple, or green iridescent sheen, bright yellow eyes, long wedge-shaped tail, and a heavy black bill. Considerably larger than the female.

• Female: Much smaller, dark brown with paler brown underparts, yellow eyes, and a shorter tail.

• Juveniles: Resemble adult females but are duller and have dark eyes that gradually turn yellow.

• The sexes are easily distinguished by their size and plumage.

Size

• Length:

  • Male: 43–46 cm (17–18 in)

  • Female: 33–38 cm (13–15 in)

• Wingspan: 48–58 cm (19–23 in)

• Weight:

  • Male: 180–270 g

  • Female: 90–140 g