Quiscalus quiscula, commonly known as the Common Grackle, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution encompasses a wide range of eastern and central United States and parts of southern Canada. The range extends from the Atlantic coast westward to the Rockies and into the Great Plains. The species is also found in parts of northern Mexico, particularly during the non-breeding season.

The Common Grackle is highly adaptable and found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, woodlands, and wetlands. It is often associated with human-altered landscapes like agricultural areas, suburban and urban settings, where it benefits from the availability of food sources like grains and insects. Grackles are known to thrive in both humid and temperate climates.

As a generalist species, the Common Grackle occupies a broad ecological niche. It feeds on a diverse diet composed of insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and human food residues, which allows it to thrive in various environments. Grackles play an important role in controlling insect populations, but they can also impact grain crops negatively due to their feeding behaviors. They often nest in colonies, making use of trees and shrubs, and are known to adapt well to changing environments and urban areas.