black headed grosbeak
1. Bird Name
The bird in discussion is known in English as the Black-Headed Grosbeak. Its scientific (Latin) name is Pheucticus melanocephalus.
2. Appearance
As its name suggests, the Black-Headed Grosbeak boasts a distinct, black head. This stark, dark shade is beautifully contrasted by the orange, white, and black patterning on the bird’s body. The males typically have a bright, orange throat and chest whereas the females have a streaked, dull orange to yellow body. Their beaks are thick, conical and pale in color, perfect for cracking seeds, one of their main food sources. Eyes are dark brown. The birds are celebrated for their beauty and are quite charming in appearance. Males and females are easily distinguishable; the male is more flamboyantly colored, while the female possesses a subtler, pale, understated elegance.
3. Size
The Black-Headed Grosbeak is a medium-sized songbird that measures 18-22 cm in length on average. Its wingspan can reach up to 12-13 inches. The bird’s weight ranges typically between 35-49 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Found mainly across the Western half of North America, the Black-Headed Grosbeak stretches from the far corners of British Columbia and Alberta all the way to the Southern reaches of Mexico. They inhabit mature deciduous woodlands, mixed woodlands, streamside thickets, and suburban gardens. They can commonly be found in the elevated coniferous forests of Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains.
5. Interesting Facts
These birds have a unique migration habit. They typically migrate during the night and feed during the day. Furthermore, they have a distinct quality of being one of the few birds that can safely eat the toxic monarch butterfly. In relation to cultural significance, Indigenous cultures often attribute the Black-Headed Grosbeak powerful symbolism, including happiness, protection, and social connection.
6. Diet
The Black-Headed Grosbeak’s diet is quite varied, encompassing both plant and animal matter. They mainly feed on seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and even fruits and nectar.
7. Behavior & Sounds
The Black-Headed Grosbeak is a gregarious bird that spends its time in the open, making melodic, string-like songs. Males possess a unique, complex call akin to a simplified version of the American Robin. Delightfully, both male and female Grosbeaks share roles in building nests, incubating eggs, and feeding the young ones.
8. Conservation Status
The Black-Headed Grosbeak is currently classified as of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.
9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Black-Headed Grosbeak in the wild is known to be about 7 years, although instances have been recorded where the bird has lived up to the ripe age of 13 years.
10. Additional Notes
The Black-Headed Grosbeak is known by several local names across its range. For example, in Spanish, it is known as Picogordo Cabecinegro. In relation to human interaction, these birds are far from shy. They readily come to bird-feeders for sunflower and safflower seeds and their musical songs are quite pleasing to the human ear. They are vital for ensuring the control of insect populations, and also assist in the pollination of plants due to their nectar feeding habits.
