The big idea of “The Grackle” is to highlight the negative characteristics and behavior of the grackle bird. The poem portrays the grackle as a bully, using its voice, appearance, and actions to intimidate and harass other birds. It also suggests that the grackle is not afraid to confront humans who try to intervene. The overall message is that the grackle is an unpleasant and problematic bird, making it an “ornithological debacle.”