Black-headed Grosbeaks in North Dakota
When black-headed grosbeaks are present in North Dakota, when they nest, which native North Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–4b yard.
- Status in North Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
When to expect black-headed grosbeaks in North Dakota
Black-headed Grosbeaks are summer residents in North Dakota, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles and caterpillars.
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Nesting in North Dakota
Across North Dakota, 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.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
- Black-headed Grosbeaks don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, smooth sumac, bur oak for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native North Dakota plants that attract black-headed grosbeaks
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover black-headed grosbeaks use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Feeding black-headed grosbeaks through the North Dakota year
One of few birds that eats monarch butterflies; a summer feeder regular in the West.
- Best foods: Sunflower.
- In North Dakota'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 North Dakota year-round?
No. Black-headed Grosbeaks are summer breeders in North Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do black-headed grosbeaks nest in North Dakota?
Nesting in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Eastern red cedar, Smooth sumac, Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for black-headed grosbeaks.
Black-headed Grosbeaks in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
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 — North Dakota
- 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.