Crow-sized in total length with a much thinner body and narrower wings; tail accounts for about half of the length. Bill is fairly heavy and long. Adult male is entirely glossy black, with dark blue sheen on head and body, a pale eye, and very long, obviously graduated tail. Females are grayish brown, lacking iridescence, with a shorter tail, and distinct pale throat and supercilium. Some juveniles have a dark eye.

Length: 46 (cm) Wingspan: 58 (cm)

Voice:

Piercing whistles, rattles, harsh chattering; call is a low chuck.

Habitat:

Open woodlands, edges, marshes, wetlands, farmland, parks, suburbs.

Behavior:

Male displays while vocalizing, using a variety of postures to show off its large tail. Often breeds colonially; nest cup is placed in a tree or shrub. Roosts can reach thousands of birds in winter.

Feeding:

Omnivorous; eats insects, seeds, small animals, carrion, garbage. Sometimes visits bird feeders.