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.
