Very common and widespread in open areas, usually near trees. Sometimes found in wet woods. In fall and winter, forms flocks, creating lines or ‘clouds’ of birds. Often dominates feeders or patrols grassy areas such as lawns. Size, color, facial expression, and pale iris result in ‘bad boy’ look. Closer views reveal a bird of stunning iridescent colors (♂). In flight, large size, slender build and long, flared tail help it stand out in blackbird flocks. Song and calls a variety of forced wheezy notes. ID: Large and slim with long, graduated tail. Sturdy all-dark bill. Colors vary across populations. ♂ (e. population): variably blue/purple. Interior birds have brown body with green/blue head and neck. In FL, green-and-bronze body with purple-and-blue head and neck. ♀: slightly smaller and shorter-tailed than ♂. Generally brown with bluish head, lacking strong iridescence of ♂. Juv: dull brown, often darker-tailed. Iris darker and bill often paler than adult.