Black-headed Grosbeaks in South Dakota
When black-headed grosbeaks are present in South Dakota, when they nest, which native South Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–5b yard.
- Status in South Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
When to expect black-headed grosbeaks in South Dakota
Black-headed Grosbeaks are summer residents in South Dakota, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles and caterpillars.
Continental, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Nesting in South Dakota
Across South Dakota, black-headed grosbeaks typically nest from May–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 summers with thunderstorms; the Black Hills host western mountain birds.
- 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 South Dakota plants that attract black-headed grosbeaks
Of the regional native plants we track for South 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 South Dakota year
One of few birds that eats monarch butterflies; a summer feeder regular in the West.
- Best foods: Sunflower.
- In South 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 South Dakota year-round?
No. Black-headed Grosbeaks are summer breeders in South Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do black-headed grosbeaks nest in South Dakota?
Nesting in South Dakota typically runs May–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract black-headed grosbeaks in South Dakota?
Eastern red cedar, Smooth sumac, Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan are native plants in South Dakota that provide food or cover for black-headed grosbeaks.
Black-headed Grosbeaks in other regions
Other backyard birds in South 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 — South 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.