Black-headed Grosbeaks in Montana
When black-headed grosbeaks are present in Montana, when they nest, which native Montana plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–6a yard.
- Status in Montana
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–6a
When to expect black-headed grosbeaks in Montana
Black-headed Grosbeaks are summer residents in Montana, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles and caterpillars.
Continental — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.
Nesting in Montana
Across Montana, black-headed grosbeaks typically nest from June–July. Nest site: loose twig cup in dense trees. Females lay 2–5 eggs, incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 11–12 days.
Warm, dry summers and a short growing season.
- Black-headed Grosbeaks don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, bur oak, paper birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Montana plants that attract black-headed grosbeaks
Of the regional native plants we track for Montana, these 8 provide food or cover black-headed grosbeaks use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Feeding black-headed grosbeaks through the Montana year
One of few birds that eats monarch butterflies; a summer feeder regular in the West.
- Best foods: Sunflower.
- In Montana's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for black-headed grosbeaks · Best feeder for black-headed grosbeaks
Frequently asked
Are black-headed grosbeaks in Montana year-round?
No. Black-headed Grosbeaks are summer breeders in Montana and leave for the winter.
When do black-headed grosbeaks nest in Montana?
Nesting in Montana typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract black-headed grosbeaks in Montana?
Smooth sumac, Bur oak, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch are native plants in Montana that provide food or cover for black-headed grosbeaks.
Black-headed Grosbeaks in other regions
Other backyard birds in Montana
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
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Montana
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.