Black-headed Grosbeak -- South Dakota Birds

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.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map 

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

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

Feeders: Will attend feeders for various seeds.

Similar Species: Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Status: Generally stable throughout its range.

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 near the bottom of the page for additional, higher-resolution Black-headed Grosbeak photos.

Return to Species Page

Return to Main Page

Proud Member Of:

Range Map Reference: NatureServe

Click here for other references used to compile this page

Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08