Black-headed Grosbeak

Scientific Name: Pheucticus melanocephalus

Classification: Order: Passeriformes; Family: Cardinalidae

Black-headed Grosbeak

Brief Description

A hefty songbird with a large, thick cone-shaped bill. They are known for their rich song and ability to crack hard seeds.

Additional Information

  • Region of Origin: Western North America; breeds from southwestern Canada to southern Mexico and winters primarily in Mexico.
  • Typical Sighting Period: Mostly seen during spring and summer (April to September) during its breeding season in the United States.
  • Plumage Details: Adult males (pictured) have a black head, cinnamon-orange breast, and black wings white patches. Females and immatures are brown with heavy streaks and a white eyebrow stripe.
  • Ecological Significance: Acts as a predator of insects and a seed disperser; notably one of the few birds that can eat monarch butterflies despite their toxins.
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN); population remains stable.
  • Observation Tips: Commonly visits backyard feeders for sunflower seeds. Look for them in the canopy of deciduous and mixed forests.

Size & Weight

Length: 7.1-7.5 in (18-19 cm); Wingspan: 12.6 in (32 cm); Weight: 1.2-1.7 oz (34-49 g).

Diet

Omnivorous; consumes insects, berries, and large seeds by using its powerful beak to crush them.

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed woods, river thickets, and suburban gardens/parks with tall trees.

Migration

Migratory; travels between breeding grounds in the West and wintering grounds in Mexico.

Voice (Call & Song)

Song is a rich, whistled warble similar to a Robin but more fluid. Call is a sharp, metallic 'pik'.

Nesting & Breeding

Builds a cup-shaped nest of twigs in trees or shrubs. Lays 2-5 eggs. Both males and females share incubation and feeding duties.

Key Field Marks

Large silver-gray conical bill, black head, bright orange-cinnamon underparts, and black wings with prominent white patches.

Similar Species

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (males have red chest and white bellies) and Spotted Towhee (smaller bill, red eyes, different orange pattern).

Interesting Facts

Black-headed Grosbeaks are one of the few birds that have the ability to eat monarch butterflies, as they have developed a tolerance to the cardiac glycosides found in the butterflies.