Cardinals and allies (Cardinalidae)
Black-headed Grosbeak
Pheucticus melanocephalus. Insects, seeds and fruit.
Cardinals and allies (Cardinalidae)Black-headed GrosbeakPheucticus melanocephalus
- Scientific name
- Pheucticus melanocephalus
- Length
- 7.1–7.5 in
- Weight
- 1.2–1.7 oz
- Nest
- Loose twig cup in dense trees
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–14 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Male cinnamon-orange with a black head
- Black-and-white wings
- Huge pale bill
Voice
Rich, robin-like song.
Diet and feeding
Insects, seeds and fruit.
What do black-headed grosbeaks eat? · Best feeder for black-headed grosbeaks
Black-headed Grosbeaks by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Summer breeder | April–July |
| British Columbia | Summer breeder | June–July |
| California | Summer breeder | April–July |
| Colorado | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Idaho | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Montana | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Nebraska | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Nevada | Summer breeder | May–July |
| New Mexico | Summer breeder | May–July |
| North Dakota | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Oregon | Summer breeder | May–July |
| South Dakota | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Utah | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Washington | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Wyoming | Summer breeder | June–July |
Frequently asked
What do black-headed grosbeaks eat?
Insects, seeds and fruit. At feeders: sunflower.
How big is a Black-headed Grosbeak?
7.1–7.5 in long and 1.2–1.7 oz.
Do black-headed grosbeaks use birdhouses?
No. Loose twig cup in dense trees.
Sources
- Black-headed Grosbeak — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-headed Grosbeak life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-headed Grosbeak — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.