Grackle images - Joel Sartore

Two great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus prosopidicola) at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation in Hutchins, TX.

Two great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus prosopidicola) at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation in Hutchins, TX.

A great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus prosopidicola) at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation in Hutchins, TX.

A great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus prosopidicola) at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation in Hutchins, TX.

A great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus prosopidicola) at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation in Hutchins, TX.

A velvet-fronted grackle (Lampropsar tanagrinus) at the National Aviary breeding center in Palmar, Colombia.

A velvet-fronted grackle (Lampropsar tanagrinus) at the National Aviary breeding center in Palmar, Colombia.

Young grackles, Quiscalus quiscula, at the home of wildlife rescuer in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Young grackles, Quiscalus quiscula, at the home of wildlife rescuer in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Young grackles, Quiscalus quiscula, at the home of wildlife rescuer in Lincoln, Nebraska.

A young grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, at the home of wildlife rescuer in Lincoln, Nebraska.

A common grackle eats bird food off the ground in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Joel Sartore’s photo of a male common grackle is featured on the cover of “Becoming Animal” by David Abram. (Pantheon)

A boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major) egg from a collection at the University of Nebraska State Museum.

A great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) egg from a collection at the University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, Nebraska.

A great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) egg from a collection at the University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, Nebraska.