Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

Black-headed Grosbeaks can be a common sight in the western U.S., primarily in and around deciduous woodlands.  They can be quite tame, and may even allow the patient birder to hand-feed.  Black-headed Grosbeaks are one of the very few birds that will consume Monarch Butterflies, which normally are too noxious for birds to consume.   A male is shown in the photo on the right.  A photo of a female can be found at the bottom of the page.

Habitat: Primarily deciduous forests, woodlands, and groves.  Sometimes found in mixed forest, rarely in pure coniferous forest.

Diet: Insects, seeds, fruits, and berries.  Feeds heavily on insects in the summer, as well as spiders and snails.  Will eat a variety of seeds and berries, as well as cultivated fruit.

Behavior: Primarily forages by moving through branches and foliage of shrubs and trees, gleaning insects from foliage and taking fruit.  Will also forage on the ground, or occasionally by flying out and capturing insects in mid-air.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map 

Song: A fast, high-pitched warbling.  Also a high crisp pik call.

Migration: Summers throughout most of the western U.S.  Winters in Mexico and points south.

Bird Feeders: Will attend feeders for various seeds.

Similar Species: Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Conservation Status: Numbers appear to be stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Black-headed Grosbeak

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Black-headed Grosbeak"

3) eNature.com: Black-headed Grosbeak

Photo Information: May 17th, 2003 -- Rapid City -- Ed Staggs

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Black-headed Grosbeak photos.