Dear Grackle,
I can't imagine Texas without you — how long have grackles lived in our state?
Sincerely,
Just Curious
Dear Fan,
I'm happy to share my story, because the way I arrived here in the Lone Star State is extremely flattering to my species. It all began with an aztec emperor who was completely obsessed with us. My ancestors are from the coastal lowlands of veracruz, mexico. Emperor auitzotl, who reigned over the aztec empire from 1486 to 1502, loved all sorts of colorful or shiny birds. When he saw grackles, he knew he absolutely needed us around (who can blame him?) he had some of my ancestors brought to tnochtitlan, where he encouraged people to feed and care for us. I was even given the name “teotzantl”, which means “divine” or marvelous grackle.” Once I adapted to the variable climate of the mexican highlands, the world (or at least the land that is now the Continental United States) was my oyster. You know the rest. I came to texas. I sat on power lines. I ate out of trash cans. I remained beautiful and fabulous. Centuries later, everyone should still be obsessed with me, like emperor auitzotl was.
Yours,
Grackle
Have a question for the grackle? Email us at magazine@tpwd.texas.gov and we will pass it along to our avian adviser. The grackle's opinions are its own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
