Photos courtesy Pete Williams, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Copyright (c) 2007, Pete Williams

Identification: The overall length is 10 to 12-1/2 inches. Look for a long keel-shaped tail, long pointed bill, and light yellow eye. The male is glossy black, with a purple, bronze, or greenish cast. Females are slightly less glossy. The preferred habitat is farmlands, groves, suburbs, parks; usually near water. Distribution is throughout the coastal region.

Two other species in this area are the Great-tailed, Q. mexicanus, and the Boat-tailed, Q. calus major (usually found in salt marshes).