Jeff Kingery writes: "...a tricky one! It doesn't appear to be a Common Grackle: it's the
wrong color, and it's far too big compared to the obvious male
Great-tailed in the center. Also the legs look too long. Another
consideration is that Common Grackles in New Mexico are very uncommon
and local in forested habitats such as city parks and cemeteries.
I can't see anything to rule out Boat-tailed, but given that the nearest
salt marsh must be around 800 miles away, it cannot be a Boat-tailed. It
has to be a Great-tailed Grackle. It's clearly a male... presumably a
one-year-old, which would account for the dull plumage and wimpy tail.
As for the iris color, is his nictitating membrane closed?!"