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Step 1
Notice the large, keel-shaped tail of the common grackle. This is different than the similar looking blackbird, which has a narrow, shorter tail.
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Step 2
Estimate the size of the grackle you are viewing. The common grackle measures 10 to 12 inches in length, depending on the sex of the bird. The great-tailed grackle appears identical to the common grackle, except for its much larger size of 15 to 18 inches.
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Step 3
Compare the plumage of the common grackle to that of the starling. Starlings have black feathers with white tips. Identify common grackles by the black feathers with a conspicuous metallic sheen in the sunlight.
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Step 4
Listen for the loud raspy call of the common grackle. The word grackle is derived from the Latin word graculus, which means "to cough."
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Step 5
Observe the feeding patterns of the common grackle, if you have the opportunity to see this bird away from the feeder foraging for insects. The common grackle is equipped with large muscles around its bill which enable it to pry open crevices as it searches for bugs.
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Step 6
Take note of the nesting habits to identify the common grackle. This bird builds a cup-shaped nest, in which it nurtures 1 or 2 broods per year. In contrast, the crow builds a platform nest and the starling is a cavity-nesting bird.
