Yellow Grosbeak
Pheucticus chrysopeplus
| Length: 9 inches | Wingspan: 14.5 inches | Seasonality: Non-resident in South Dakota |
| ID Keys: Bright yellow overall, black wings with white spots, black tail | ||
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 |
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| South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota |
Additional Yellow Grosbeak Photos (coming soon!!)
