Male appears black from a distance. Overall length about the same as a crow, but body is much smaller and slimmer and the tail accounts for about half of the total length. When seen from close range, shows dark blue-green iridescent overall, with bluish sheen on head. Has pale eye, and a long graduated tail. Female is much smaller, without such a large tail, mostly grayish brown, with a dark line running through the face. Boat-tailed is very similar to Great-tailed; note habitat range. Where the two overlap along the Gulf Coast, Boat-tailed has a brown eye.

Length: 42 (cm) Wingspan: 58 (cm)

Voice:

Noisy; variety of loud whistles, harsh chatters, squeaks, and rattles.

Habitat:

Coastal saltwater marshes.

Behavior:

Male displays in a variety of postures showing off the tail and throwing head skyward while vocalizing. Nests in small colonies similar to harems.

Feeding:

Eats a wide variety of seeds, fruit, insects, and garbage.