Yellow Grosbeak

The Yellow Grosbeak is related to the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Black-headed Grosbeak found in the United States.  However, it is found in western Mexico and Guatemala, and is only a very rare stray to the United States, where individual birds have been sighted in southern Arizona a number of times.  In the U.S. it has only been seen a scant handful of times outside of Arizona.  They are occasionally kept as captive birds, so occasional (but extremely rare) sightings away from Arizona may represent escaped captives.

Habitat: Found in semi-open habitat with brush and thickets, typically a semi-open woodland or scrubland.

Diet: Feeds on seeds, fruits, and berries, as well as insects and spiders.

Nesting: The nest of a Yellow Grosbeak is built in a bush or in a small tree, and consists of a small cup built of twigs, leaves, grasses, and leaves. Both parents help to incubate the eggs, and both parents tend to the young upon hatching.

Song: Song of the Yellow Grosbeak is a series of sweet, slow whistles.

Migration: Considered a permanent resident throughout most of their range.  However, there is a slight range expansion to the north during the summer breeding season.

Interactive eBird map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Yellow Grosbeak sightings

Similar Species: Similar in structure to other grosbeak species, but brilliant yellow plumage makes them a bird unlikely to be confused with another species.

Conservation Status: Overall population trends appear to be decreasing in their native range, but they are still relatively common and widespread.  The IUCN lists the Yellow Grosbeak as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) Cornell's Neotropical Birds - Yellow Grosbeak

2) Wikipedia - Yellow Grosbeak

3) Internet Bird Collection (IBC) - Yellow Grosbeak

Photo Information: Photo taken by Arjan Haverkamp - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License

 

Click below for a higher-resolution map

South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota

Additional Yellow Grosbeak Photos (coming soon!!)